Disposable Flex Cable for Surgical Device Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reusable powered surgical devices face damage from aggressive cleaning and sterilization processes, which can corrode and degrade electronic components due to moisture ingress.
Innovation Solution
A handheld electromechanical surgical device design featuring a flex cable with a proximal end connected to the handle assembly and a distal end secured to a circuit board assembly in the reload, allowing for electrical connection without exposing electronic components to harsh cleaning and sterilization environments, using an adhesive to secure the flex cable to the adapter assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If reusable surgical devices are used to reduce cost per procedure, then device lifespan is extended, but electronic components are damaged by aggressive cleaning and sterilization processes
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical device is divided into reusable mechanical components and disposable electronic components (circuit board assembly and flex cable). This segmentation allows the electronic components to be discarded after single use, avoiding exposure to damaging sterilization processes, while the mechanical components can be reused.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements disposable electronic components (circuit board assembly and flex cable) that are discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need to subject electronic components to aggressive cleaning and sterilization, preventing corrosion and degradation while enabling reuse of the mechanical device structure.
2Reliability
If disposable electronic assemblies are used to protect components from sterilization damage, then component reliability is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board assembly and flex cable are integrated as a single disposable electrical assembly unit. This merging simplifies the disposal process and reduces the complexity of managing multiple separate electronic components, while still achieving the goal of protecting electronic components from sterilization damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical interface between handle and reload, houses the disposable electrical assembly, and enables selective connection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 enables the use of disposable electronic assemblies, preventing damage to electronic components during cleaning and sterilization, thus extending the device's lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
using an adhesive to secure the flex cable to the adapter assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld electromechanical surgical device includes a handle assembly, an adapter assembly, a reload, and an electrical assembly. The handle assembly includes a connecting portion having an electrical connector supported therein. The adapter assembly includes an adapter housing selectively connectable to the connecting portion of the handle assembly and an outer tube extending distally from the adapter housing. The reload includes a housing selectively connectable to the outer tube of the adapter assembly and a circuit board assembly disposed within the reload housing. The electrical assembly includes a flex cable having an elongate body positionable against an outer surface of the adapter assembly. A proximal end of the flex cable is positionable within a cavity defined in the adapter housing and configured to electrically connect with the electrical connector of the handle assembly. A distal end of the flex cable is coupled to the circuit board assembly of the reload.