Electrosurgical Coupling Means for Suction and Cable Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical instruments face challenges in efficiently managing suction tubing and electrical cables, leading to cumbersome designs and reduced operational convenience, especially when both are required simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A coupling means with multiple parts that integrate suction tubing and electrical cables within the instrument's design, allowing for secure attachment and management of both components without the need for detachable external suction channels, accommodating various vacuum source diameters, and enabling the instrument to function with or without suction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a detachable suction channel is attached to the electrosurgical instrument, then suction functionality is achieved, but the instrument becomes thick, ponderous and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The suction channel is integrated within the hollow elongated main body of the electrosurgical instrument, with the suction channel positioned inside the main body rather than attached externally. This nesting arrangement allows the suction functionality to be incorporated without increasing the external dimensions of the instrument, maintaining ergonomic handling while achieving smoke evacuation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The suction channel and the electrosurgical instrument main body are merged into a single integrated structure, where the suction channel forms part of the hollow main body. This combination eliminates the need for separate detachable suction channels, reducing overall instrument complexity and improving ease of operation while maintaining suction functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If both suction tubing and electrical cable are externalised from the instrument, then both functions are available, but the cables are not under control and create operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical cable is routed through the hollow elongated main body and positioned inside the suction channel, with both components nested within each other. This arrangement allows both the suction tubing and electrical cable to be externalised from the instrument while maintaining control over their positioning and preventing tangling or operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The suction channel acts as an intermediary structure that accommodates and guides the electrical cable from the generator to the electrosurgical instrument. This intermediary arrangement provides a controlled pathway for the cable, preventing it from becoming unmanaged while maintaining both suction and electrical functions
3Ease of operation
If the instrument is designed without a suction channel, then the instrument appears slim and handy, but suction functionality is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The suction channel is nested within the hollow elongated main body, allowing the instrument to maintain its slim and ergonomic external design while incorporating suction functionality internally. The suction channel does not protrude from the main body, preserving the ergonomic characteristics needed for easy handling
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow elongated main body is designed with different local qualities - the outer structure maintains a slim ergonomic profile for easy handling, while the internal structure incorporates the suction channel with appropriate diameter and positioning to provide effective smoke evacuation capability where needed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A coupling means (8; 8';8' ',14) serves for connecting a suction channel (27) of an electrosurgical instrument (1) to a vacuum source via a suction tubing (11) and/or for guiding an electrical cable (12), that supplies electrical energy from an electrosurgical generator to the electrosurgical instrument. The electrosurgical instrument comprises a hollow elongated main body (2) having a first end (7) for securing a first means (3) for application of the electrical energy to a surgical site and an opposite second end (9). The coupling means comprises at least a first coupling part (8;8';8' ') for inserting between the second end (9) of the hollow elongated main body (2) and the suction tubing (11), which first coupling part is configured to attach the suction tubing in tandem with said hollow elongated main body and/or to accommodate the electrical cable exiting the hollow elongated main body along the longitudinal axis of said first coupling part.