Adjustable Pneumatic System for Surgical Vitrectomy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pneumatic modules for surgical machines lack the ability to provide a dynamic range of pressures, which is necessary for the efficient operation of surgical tools like vitrectors over their full operating ranges, affecting the precision and effectiveness of procedures such as vitrectomy.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic system comprising a reservoir, first and second proportional valves, and a controller that adjusts the amount of pressurized gas entering and exiting the reservoir to maintain a constant gas pressure range, using input and output pressure transducers to control the proportional valves and ensure a dynamic range of pressures is maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed pressure is provided to the surgical tools, then the system is simple to operate, but the tools cannot operate over their full operating ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pressure adjustment by replacing fixed pressure sources with controllable proportional valves that can vary output pressure based on tool requirements. The system transitions from static to dynamic pressure delivery, allowing the pneumatic system to adapt to different surgical tool operating ranges while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter dynamically to match the operational needs of different surgical tools. By adjusting pressure as a variable parameter rather than maintaining a fixed value, the system enables tools to operate across their full performance ranges. This is achieved through proportional valves controlled by a microprocessor that modulates pressure according to detected tool requirements.
2Reliability
If pressure is manually adjusted for different tools, then the tools can operate at optimal pressures, but the operation becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control where a microprocessor monitors system conditions and automatically adjusts proportional valve positions to deliver optimal pressure to each surgical tool. This closed-loop system eliminates manual pressure adjustment by using electronic sensing and control, ensuring reliable optimal pressure delivery while significantly reducing the time required for pressure changes between tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical pressure adjustment with an automated electronic control system. The microprocessor-based controller substitutes for manual operator intervention, using electronic signals to control proportional valves instead of manual valve adjustments. This substitution maintains optimal pressure reliability while eliminating the time loss associated with manual pressure changes.
3Stress or pressure
If high gas pressure is provided continuously, then the system is ready for high-cut-rate operations, but it cannot provide low pressure for low-cut-rate operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pressure control that allows the system to transition between high and low pressure states as needed. The proportional valves enable continuous pressure modulation, so the system can deliver high pressure when high-cut-rate operations are required and low pressure when low-cut-rate operations are performed, providing both wide pressure range and pressure variability for different surgical needs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the surgical machine to provide compressed gas over a variable range of pressures, allowing surgical tools to operate effectively across their full functional range, with a dynamically adjustable pressure set point and rapid response time, enhancing the precision and efficiency of ophthalmic surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The first proportional valve is located on an input side of the reservoir and allows a variable amount of pressurized gas to enter the reservoir. The second proportional valve is located on an output side of the reservoir and allows a second variable amount of pressurized gas to exit the reservoir.
Implementation Method 2
using input and output pressure transducers to control the proportional valves
Implementation Method 3
The controller adjusts the first and second proportional valves so that a constant gas pressure range is maintained at an output of the reservoir over a first range of input gas pressures and a second range of gas usage.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pneumatic system for a surgical machine includes a reservoir, first and second proportional valves, and a controller. The reservoir holds pressurized gas. The first proportional valve is located on an input side of the reservoir and allows a variable amount of pressurized gas to enter the reservoir. The second proportional valve is located on an output side of the reservoir and allows a second variable amount of pressurized gas to exit the reservoir. The controller controls the operation of the first and second proportional valves. The controller adjusts the first and second proportional valves so that a constant gas pressure range is maintained at an output of the reservoir over a first range of input gas pressures and a second range of gas usage.