Expandable Flap Protective Head for Narrow Cavity Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive surgical techniques face challenges in accessing and treating intestinal obstructions due to narrow cavity and intestinal tract conditions, leading to prolonged operations, environmental pollution, and limited effectiveness, especially for intestinal malignant lesions.
Innovation Solution
A hollow vector support multifunctional protection device with a protective head, pitching mechanism, inner cylinder, and axial movement mechanism, featuring flaps that open to expand the surgical space, allowing for gas/liquid transmission, exhaust, and illumination, facilitating safer and more convenient surgical access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional endoscopic surgery methods are used for intestinal obstruction, then the surgical approach can be minimally invasive, but the operation time is prolonged and the effectiveness is limited due to narrow cavity and intestinal tract conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The protective head is designed with movable flaps that can dynamically expand to increase the working diameter of the device. The flaps are capable of rotating between a closed position (for navigating narrow passages) and an open position (for providing adequate surgical workspace), allowing the device to adapt to different spatial requirements during the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The protective head is segmented into multiple movable flaps rather than a rigid structure. This segmentation allows each flap to independently adjust its position, enabling the device to navigate through narrow intestinal tracts while also providing sufficient working space when expanded
2Area of stationary object
If the protective head is designed with a larger working diameter to facilitate surgical operations, then the surgical space is improved, but the device cannot pass through narrow intestinal tracts and cavity channels
Solution Approach 1:
The protective head transitions from a compact closed state (small diameter for passage) to an expanded open state (large diameter for surgery). The flaps are designed to rotate outward when actuated, increasing the internal diameter of the protective head to provide adequate surgical workspace while maintaining a compact profile for navigation through narrow intestinal tracts
Solution Approach 2:
The flaps are nested within the protective head structure when in the closed position, allowing the device to pass through narrow passages. When expanded, the flaps unfold outward to create the surgical workspace, similar to how nested dolls can be compact or expanded
3Strength
If a rigid supporting structure is used to provide surgical passage, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the device cannot adapt to narrow and flexible intestinal tract conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The protective head employs thin, flexible flap structures that can bend and conform to the narrow intestinal tract during navigation. These flaps maintain sufficient structural integrity when closed but can be expanded when needed, providing both flexibility for passage and strength for surgical support
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions from a flexible closed state (for navigating narrow passages) to a rigid expanded state (for providing surgical support). The flaps, when closed, allow the device to flex and conform to the intestinal tract, while when opened, they create a rigid protective head that provides adequate structural support for surgical operations
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional metallic stents are used for intestinal obstruction, then the support function is provided, but the functional indexes of the larynx cannot be obtained and the effect is single and narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The protective head is designed as a multifunctional device that can perform multiple surgical tasks including providing structural support, creating working space, protecting surrounding tissues, and facilitating various surgical operations. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining reliable support effectiveness
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 device enhances surgical safety and convenience by providing adjustable and expandable access to narrow cavities, reducing tissue damage and infection risks, while enabling flexible tool passage and improved visualization during minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring arranged on the first rotating shafts, wherein the torsion spring is configured to provide a force for opening the plurality of flaps along the first rotating shafts
Data Source
AI summary
Hollow vector support multifunctional protection devices and systems for minimally invasive surgery are disclosed. In an embodiment, a hollow vector support multifunctional protection device includes a protective head, a pitching mechanism for the protective head, an inner cylinder, an axial movement mechanism for the inner cylinder, and a shell. The protective head includes a flap ring, a plurality of first rotating shafts, a plurality of flaps uniformly arranged on the flap ring through the first rotating shafts, and a torsion spring arranged on the first rotating shafts. The torsion spring is configured to provide a force for opening the plurality of flaps along the first rotating shafts, and the first rotating shafts are provided with limiting structures configured to limit a maximum opening degree of the flaps.