Gas-Actuated Surgical Instrument Sealing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical instruments powered by compressed gas often experience leaks due to manufacturing and positioning tolerances, leading to inefficient operation and increased fatigue from manual handling.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded ring seal is used to create a pressure-tight connection between the compressed gas cartridge and the instrument, with a collar surrounding the pipe socket that is displaced by a helical spring, enhancing the sealing effect by utilizing the compressed gas force to press the ring seal against the cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a precise adjustment is used to achieve a tight connection of compressed gas cartridges, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the compressed gas itself to pressurize the seal ring against the cartridge opening, creating a self-sealing mechanism that automatically compensates for tolerances without requiring manual adjustment. The gas pressure activates the seal during normal operation, eliminating the need for precise pre-adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal ring is designed with elastic properties that allow it to deform and adapt to the cartridge opening under gas pressure. The elastic material changes its shape parameter dynamically, conforming to the mating surface to create a reliable seal despite manufacturing tolerances.
2Reliability
If a spring-loaded ring seal is used to compensate for tolerances, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded seal mechanism is integrated directly into the cartridge body, merging the sealing function with the cartridge structure itself. This eliminates separate sealing components and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliable sealing through the spring-loaded design.
3Force
If strong springs are used to ensure sealing contact, then sealing force is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses compressed gas pressure to force the seal ring against the cartridge opening, replacing the need for strong mechanical springs. The gas pressure provides the necessary sealing force without requiring large spring components, thus maintaining compact device size.
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
This configuration provides a reliable seal, reducing the need for strong springs and minimizing leaks, while allowing for efficient operation of surgical instruments like pliers and scissors, and enabling reliable actuation of holding arms.
Implementation Method 1
the ring seal is pressed against the compressed gas cartridge by a spring
Implementation Method 2
the force exerted by the pressure gas forces on the sleeve is directed against the gas cartridge and presses the ring seal against the gas cartridge with a large force
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The instrument has a retainer (7) for a pressurized gas cartridge (8) and a pressure-tight connector for connecting the cartridge with the instrument. The retainer is movable into a connecting position, in which the cartridge is pressed against a tube socket (17), such that the socket opens and taps the cartridge and connects the interior of the cartridge with a pressurized gas flow line leading to the instrument. A sealing ring (26) is attached to the cartridge and surrounds the socket.