Fluid-Diverting Element for Interchangeable Surgical Probe Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments face challenges in providing a simple, cost-effective, and reliable method for interchangeable attachment of different application probes, particularly requiring reverse fluid flow capabilities without expensive structural modifications.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-diverting element with integrated transfer line elements in the grip element of surgical instruments allows for fluid communication between parallel-extending supply line elements and coaxially extending application line elements, enabling easy and space-saving connection of multiple application probes with a supply tubing set, including a locking mechanism for secure attachment and filter accommodation for reverse flow operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex connecting devices are used to connect supply tubing set with application probe, then fluid communication is achieved, but device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connection functions for multiple supply line elements and application line elements into a single integrated connecting device. The body portion houses all connection elements (first and second supply line connection elements, first and second application line connection elements) in one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate connection devices for each line pair. This merging approach maintains reliable fluid communication while significantly reducing overall device complexity and bulkiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device is designed as a universal interface that can connect different combinations of supply line elements and application line elements through the same body portion. The multiple connection elements are arranged such that the same connecting device structure can accommodate various line configurations (parallel-to-coaxial, reverse flow arrangements) without requiring different connection devices, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining functional reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular design with interchangeable application probes is implemented, then cost is reduced and adaptability improved, but connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is divided into modular segments: a handle portion, a supply tubing set, and interchangeable application probes. The connecting device serves as the interface between these segments, enabling the application probe to be detached and replaced while maintaining secure fluid-tight connections. This segmentation allows different probes to be interchangeably attached to the same handle and tubing set, improving adaptability while the robust connecting device design ensures connection reliability is maintained throughout probe changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device acts as an intermediary component between the supply tubing set and the application probe. It provides a standardized interface that ensures reliable fluid-tight connections while allowing the application probe to be easily attached and detached. The intermediary design maintains connection reliability through proper sealing and alignment features, even as different interchangeable probes are connected to the same supply tubing set.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reverse fluid flow capability is added for defreeze operation, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is designed to accommodate reverse fluid flow by allowing the supply line elements and application line elements to be connected in inverted configurations. The same connection elements can support both normal flow (supply lines to application lines) and reverse flow (application lines to supply lines) by simply changing which lines are connected to which ports. This inversion capability enables defreeze operation without requiring separate structural modifications, maintaining device simplicity while achieving versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the fluid-conveying connection of at least one application probe. The device comprising at least two coaxially extending application line elements, with a supply tubing set, said tubing set comprising at least two parallel-extending supply line elements, in a grip element of a surgical instrument such as a cryosurgical instrument, such that, in a connected state, each supply line element is in fluid communication with at least one associated application line element. A fluid-diverting element is provided and arranged, or can be arranged, in the grip element in fluid communication with an application line connecting region for the connection of the application line elements and with a supply line connecting region for the connection of the supply line elements. At least two transfer line elements designed as an integral part of the fluid-diverting element are in fluid communication with the application line connecting region via the application line connecting region.