Flexible Smoke Evacuator Head With Plenum Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current smoke evacuation systems require constant attention to maintain the suction wand close to the surgical site, generate excessive noise, and may not be adaptable to varying surgical site sizes or procedures, and often fail to integrate seamlessly with surgical drapes.

Innovation Solution

A flexible smoke evacuator head with a plenum support and adjustable intake openings, capable of being positioned adjacent to the surgical site without constant attention, and integrated with surgical drapes, which reduces noise and enhances airflow directionality through internal baffles and flow-directing structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a suction wand is used to remove smoke from the surgical site, then smoke evacuation is achieved, but constant attention is required to maintain the wand close to the surgical site

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmoke evacuation efficiencyVSAvoidconstant attention required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The smoke evacuator head is designed to maintain its own positioning at the surgical site through self-adhering mechanisms. The flexible head with plenum structure creates a seal around the surgical site that maintains vacuum without requiring external manipulation, allowing the system to serve itself by maintaining contact and evacuation effectiveness continuously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The evacuator is divided into distinct functional segments: a flexible smoke-sealing head portion that contacts the surgical site, a plenum chamber for vacuum distribution, and a rigid handle portion for connection to the vacuum source. This segmentation allows the head to independently maintain sealing while being positioned

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid plenum structure is used to maintain vacuum, then structural stability is achieved, but the plenum collapses under vacuum pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplenum structural stabilityVSAvoidplenum collapse under vacuum

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The plenum is constructed from flexible material that can deform without collapsing under vacuum pressure. This flexible shell maintains the vacuum chamber integrity while accommodating pressure differential, preventing structural failure that would occur with rigid constructions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

A porous plenum support structure is incorporated within the flexible plenum to counteract the collapsing force of the vacuum. This support framework provides internal reinforcement that balances the external pressure differential, maintaining plenum volume and structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Reliability

If the plenum is made flexible to prevent collapse, then vacuum stability is maintained, but the plenum shape cannot be selectively varied for different procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum stabilityVSAvoidplenum shape variation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The plenum incorporates adjustable components such as movable walls or reconfigurable internal structures that allow the chamber volume and shape to be dynamically modified. This enables the same flexible plenum to adapt to different surgical site configurations while maintaining vacuum integrity through the flexible material properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If a vacuum source with high flow rate is used to remove smoke efficiently, then smoke evacuation effectiveness is improved, but excessive noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmoke evacuation effectivenessVSAvoidexcessive noise

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible smoke-sealing head acts as an intermediary between the surgical site and the vacuum source. It creates a localized sealing environment that directs smoke flow efficiently into the plenum, allowing the use of high-flow vacuum sources while reducing turbulence and noise at the surgical site interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 efficiently and quietly removes smoke and aerosols from surgical sites without constant attendant intervention, adapts to various procedures, and integrates with surgical drapes to reduce noise and improve airflow, ensuring effective contamination control.

Implementation Method 1

A porous plenum support prevents the flexible plenum from collapsing in the presence of a vacuum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPorosity: Porosity

Implementation Method 2

The vacuum head includes a plenum, and a plenum support or plenum supporting material for preventing the plenum from collapsing when a vacuum or low pressure is established therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS9833549B2Smoke evacuator and evacuation system

Publication Date: 2017.12.05 NASCENT SURGICAL LLC

AI summary

A smoke evacuator and evacuation system for removing gaseous and/or particulate byproducts of surgical procedures and noxious vapors from chemicals is provided and includes an end effector or vacuum head positionable at a surgical site, the end effector including a plenum, a plenum support for preventing the plenum from collapsing, and an adaptor for coupling the end effector or vacuum head to a vacuum source.