Electrosurgical Docking Assembly Integrating Power and Fluid Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrosurgical devices require separate and sequential connections for power and fluid delivery systems, which can be time-consuming and prone to installation errors, necessitating either one or two individuals for setup and increasing the risk of fluid leaks or improper fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A docking assembly that integrates a radio-frequency power delivery apparatus and a fluid delivery apparatus, allowing for simultaneous and error-free connection of a tissue treatment device, featuring a releasable mechanical engagement mechanism and a cartridge assembly with a fluid delivery passage and check valve to ensure proper fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate connections are used for power delivery apparatus and fluid delivery apparatus, then each connection can be made independently, but the setup time increases and more individuals are required for preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power delivery apparatus and fluid delivery apparatus into a single integrated docking assembly that connects to the tissue treatment device simultaneously. The docking assembly includes both a power connector for electrical connection and a fluid connector for fluid delivery, allowing both connections to be made in one single docking action rather than requiring separate connection steps for each apparatus.
2Ease of operation
If separate connections are used for power delivery apparatus and fluid delivery apparatus, then each component can be connected independently, but the risk of installation errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating both power and fluid connections into a single docking assembly, the patent eliminates the sequential connection process that prone to errors. The single docking action ensures that both power and fluid connections are established simultaneously and correctly, reducing the risk of improper connection sequences or missed connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking assembly is pre-configured with both power and fluid connection components already integrated and positioned correctly. This preliminary integration ensures that when the docking assembly is connected to the tissue treatment device, both power and fluid connections are established correctly without requiring separate alignment and connection steps that could introduce errors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tubing is loaded manually into pump rotor, then flexibility in fluid delivery is achieved, but the risk of improper tubing installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fluid delivery system with the docking assembly, where the fluid connector is built into the docking structure. This integration ensures that fluid delivery tubing is automatically properly connected when the docking assembly is attached to the tissue treatment device, eliminating manual tubing loading and the associated risks of improper installation while maintaining fluid delivery flexibility.
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
Enables a single individual to quickly and accurately connect both power and fluid delivery systems to the tissue treatment device, reducing setup time and minimizing installation errors, thus expediting the use of the electrosurgical system.
Implementation Method 1
a peristaltic pump assembly (422) configured to compress the fluid delivery tubing (78) to propel the fluid (502) from the fluid source (500) to the hand-held device (10)
Implementation Method 2
a check valve (38) in fluid communication with the fluid delivery passage (44) to prevent backflow of the fluid (502) from the hand-held device (10) to the fluid source (500)
Implementation Method 3
a radio-frequency power delivery apparatus (440) configured to deliver radio-frequency power from a radio-frequency generator (322) to the cartridge assembly (16)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a cartridge assembly to couple a tissue treatment device with an electrosurgical unit, with the cartridge assembly operable with a power delivery apparatus and a fluid delivery apparatus of the electrosurgical unit. The invention also provides an electrosurgical unit comprising a power delivery apparatus and a fluid delivery apparatus operable with the cartridge assembly and a system thereof.