Conical Trocar Seal Segmentation for Strain Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trocar seals face challenges in maintaining internal gas pressure during minimally invasive surgical procedures, particularly when inserting and withdrawing surgical instruments, due to high strain and potential puncture risks associated with lip seals.
Innovation Solution
A trocar seal assembly featuring a plurality of layered elastomeric members forming a conical shape, with a gasket retainer ring and gasket ring configuration, and interwoven protector segments that reduce strain and minimize the risk of puncture by distributing force across multiple segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lip seal is used to seal the trocar during instrument insertion and withdrawal, then sealing performance is improved, but the risk of puncture and strain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple segmented members arranged in a conical configuration. These segments can independently deform and distribute mechanical loads, preventing concentration of stress at any single point. This segmentation allows the seal to maintain reliability during instrument insertion while reducing the risk of puncture through force distribution across multiple elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal employs dynamic elastomeric segments that can adapt their shape and position in response to instrument insertion and withdrawal. The segments flex and deform elastically to accommodate instrument passage, then return to their original conical configuration to maintain the seal. This dynamic behavior allows the seal to accommodate varying instrument diameters while maintaining sealing performance and reducing puncture risk.
2Reliability
If a conventional lip seal is used, then sealing is achieved, but insertion forces and strain on the seal are high
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented conical seal distributes insertion forces across multiple independent elements rather than concentrating stress on a single lip seal. Each segment absorbs a portion of the insertion force through elastic deformation, significantly reducing the total strain on the sealing system while maintaining effective sealing during instrument passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal utilizes elastomeric materials with optimized viscoelastic properties that allow significant deformation under insertion forces while maintaining sealing integrity. The conical geometry and segment arrangement enable the seal to accommodate a wider range of instrument diameters by adjusting its deformation parameters, reducing peak insertion forces compared to conventional lip seals.
3Device complexity
If a single-layer seal is used, then结构简单性 is maintained, but the ability to resist puncture and distribute force is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The seal consists of multiple segmented members arranged in a conical configuration, creating a multi-layered structure that distributes force across numerous contact points. This segmented architecture significantly enhances the seal's ability to resist puncture and distribute mechanical loads while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal employs composite construction with multiple elastomeric segments potentially incorporating different material properties or reinforcement layers. This composite structure enhances puncture resistance and force distribution capability while the modular segmented design keeps manufacturing complexity manageable through standardized component production.
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
The solution significantly reduces strain and insertion forces, enhances the seal's ability to resist puncture, and maintains inflation with minimal impact on instrument usage forces, allowing for a wider range of instrument diameters and improved sealing performance.
Implementation Method 1
A first seal disposed within the housing comprising a plurality of layered elastomeric members forming conical shape
Data Source
AI summary
A trocar for performing a procedure on a patient. The trocar includes a hollow cannula having a distal end and a proximal end. The trocar includes a housing having a distal end attached to the proximal end of the cannula and a proximal end having a wall attached thereto. The wall having an aperture therethrough. The trocar further includes a first seal disposed within the housing comprising a plurality of layered elastomeric members forming conical shape.