Cryoprobe Head Assembly for Precise Nozzle Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryoprobes face challenges in manufacturing a cryoprobe that is both cost-effective and sterile, with a fluid-tight and high tensile strength connection between the metal head and flexible tube, while also requiring a small diameter for minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a tube device with multiple channels, where a nozzle is inserted and a sleeve is applied to the tube end, deformed to create a compression connection, ensuring a press fit and precise positioning, which can be sealed with an end cap, allowing for uniform cooling and sterile production without adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal head is connected to a flexible tube with traditional methods, then fluid-tight connection and tensile strength are achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The metal head is segmented into a separate component that can be independently manufactured and then connected to the flexible tube. This allows each component to be optimized separately and assembled using a standardized compression connection method, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
A compression connection mechanism serves as an intermediary between the metal head and flexible tube, providing a standardized interface that ensures fluid-tight sealing without requiring complex manufacturing processes. The compression connection acts as a mediator that simplifies the assembly process while guaranteeing connection integrity
2Length of moving object
If the cryoprobe diameter is reduced for minimally invasive procedures, then patient benefit increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compression connection components are pre-configured with precise dimensions and tolerances before final assembly. The metal head and flexible tube interface are designed with preliminary alignment features that guide the assembly process, ensuring high precision even in miniaturized cryoprobes without requiring complex post-assembly adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The compression connection mechanism allows for parameter adjustments during assembly, such as compression force and positioning, which can be optimized for different cryoprobe sizes. This flexibility enables the same basic design to be scaled down for minimally invasive applications while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled parameter changes
3Reliability
If cryoprobes are provided in sterile form as disposable products, then patient safety increases, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression connection design enables the entire cryoprobe to be manufactured as a disposable unit with integrated sealing features. The standardized compression connection allows for cost-effective mass production of sterile, single-use probes, making the disposable approach economically viable while ensuring patient safety through guaranteed sterility
Solution Approach 2:
The compression connection mechanism includes self-sealing features that automatically ensure sterility during assembly without requiring additional sterilization steps. The design allows the probe to be assembled in a controlled environment and then sealed, providing self-service sterility assurance that reduces manufacturing costs compared to post-assembly sterilization processes
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 method enables the reliable and cost-effective production of cryoprobes with enhanced sealing and compressive strength, ensuring uniform cooling and sterility, suitable for minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the sleeve is deformed inward during a forming process in such a manner that it is fixed on the tube end by means of a compression connection
Implementation Method 2
a nozzle in the form of a separate, preferably pre-manufactured component, is inserted in one of the channels... the head can be internally cooled via a coolant... biological tissue will freeze to the head
Data Source
AI summary
The inventive method of manufacturing a cryoprobe uses an assembly pin (25) for receiving a sleeve (20) that is to form a part of the head (13) of the cryoprobe and comprises three abutment surfaces (27, 29, 30) that are axially offset relative to each other, said abutment surfaces ensuring, following the attachment of the sleeve (20) and the nozzle (24) to the tube end (19), the correct axial positioning of the nozzle (24) and the sleeve (20), in particular, relative to the distal end surface (18) of the tube end (19). Consequently, the position of the nozzle (24) in the expansion chamber (23) that formed after the sleeve (20) was closed and thus the function of the cryoprobe are ensured.