DC Vane Compressor for Quiet Surgical Gas Recirculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical gas delivery systems for laparoscopic procedures are large, noisy, and inefficient, leading to potential staff injury and suboptimal operating room workflow due to the use of AC motor-driven piston compressors.

Innovation Solution

A vane compressor assembly driven by a direct current (DC) motor, which is smaller, lighter, and operates at higher speeds, coupled with a gas delivery system for efficient gas sealed insufflation and recirculation, incorporating proportional valves for precise flow control and UVC sterilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If AC motor-driven piston compressors are used in surgical gas delivery systems, then sufficient gas compression capability is achieved, but the system becomes large, noisy, and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas compression capabilityVSAvoidnoise and size

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the AC motor-driven piston compressor mechanical system with a DC motor-driven vane compressor system. The vane compressor uses a rotating hub with sliding vanes that compress gas through rotational motion rather than reciprocating piston motion, resulting in reduced noise, smaller size, and improved efficiency while maintaining adequate compression capability for surgical insufflation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters by using a DC motor that operates at higher speeds (up to 10,000 rpm) compared to traditional AC motors. This parameter change enables the vane compressor to achieve the required gas compression with smaller displacement per revolution, reducing overall system size and noise while maintaining sufficient power output

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If DC motor-driven vane compressors are used, then noise and size are reduced, but gas compression efficiency must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise and sizeVSAvoidgas compression efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic elements including a rotating hub with sliding vanes that adapt to varying gas flow requirements. The vane compressor operates continuously without the start-stop nature of piston compressors, and the proportional valve provides dynamic flow control, maintaining compression efficiency across varying surgical conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The vane compressor provides continuous gas compression through rotational motion, eliminating the intermittent operation of piston compressors. The DC motor runs continuously at optimized speeds, and the proportional valve maintains continuous flow regulation, ensuring uninterrupted and efficient gas delivery throughout the surgical procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If proportional valves are added for precise flow control, then gas flow precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas flow control precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The proportional valve operates with feedback control to precisely regulate gas flow. The valve receives control signals that adjust the gas flow rate based on system requirements, providing precise flow control while the integrated control system manages the complexity through automated regulation rather than manual adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 system reduces noise and size, improves workflow, and enhances precision in gas flow control, while maintaining stable pneumoperitoneum and reducing the risk of staff injury.

Implementation Method 1

A vane compressor assembly driven by a direct current (DC) motor... coupled with a gas delivery system for efficient gas sealed insufflation and recirculation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPositive displacement compression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

A vane compressor assembly driven by a direct current (DC) motor, which is smaller, lighter, and operates at higher speeds

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

incorporating proportional valves for precise flow control and UVC sterilization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet sterilization: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS12403271B2Vane compressor for surgical gas delivery system with gas sealed insufflation and recirculation

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 CONMED CORP

AI summary

A vane compressor for a surgical gas delivery system is disclosed, which includes a compressor head having an outlet port for delivering pressurized gas to a gaseous sealing manifold communicating with a gas sealed trocar and an inlet port for receiving spent gas from the gaseous sealing manifold by way of the gas sealed trocar, wherein the compressor head is coupled to and driven by a motor.