Flexible Hysteroscopic Collection Vessel with Retainer Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hysteroscopic surgical procedures face challenges in effectively collecting outflow fluid during procedures, as existing collection systems lack efficient designs for maintaining a distended uterus and securely retaining collection vessels in an expanded configuration, leading to potential collapse under vacuum pressure.
Innovation Solution
A collection system comprising a collection vessel with a mounting stand and retainers that transition between collapsed and expanded configurations, featuring a flexible body supported by a structural frame and retainers to securely hold the vessel in an expanded state, ensuring effective fluid collection and retention during surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible collection vessel is used to enable collapse for storage, then ease of storage is improved, but the vessel collapses under vacuum pressure during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The collection vessel is designed to be dynamically changeable between two states: collapsed for storage and expanded for operation. The flexible body allows the vessel to transition between these configurations, enabling easy storage while maintaining operational functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection vessel employs a flexible body constructed from flexible material that can be collapsed and expanded. This flexible shell structure enables the vessel to be compressed for storage yet maintain its expanded form during surgical procedures when subjected to vacuum pressure.
2Reliability
If a rigid support structure is added to prevent collapse, then vessel stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple discrete retainers positioned at different locations along the vessel. Each retainer provides localized support to prevent collapse, distributing the structural reinforcement function across multiple simple components rather than requiring one complex rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainers act as intermediary elements between the flexible body and the mounting stand. These intermediate components transfer and distribute the support force from the rigid mounting stand to the flexible vessel, preventing collapse without requiring the vessel itself to be rigid.
3Reliability
If multiple retainers are used to secure the vessel, then retention reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple retainers are merged into a single integrated mounting stand structure. The retainers are positioned and configured as part of the mounting stand, allowing them to function collectively as one unified assembly that secures the vessel at multiple points simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting stand serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, positions the collection vessel, and incorporates multiple retainers for securement. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise be separate components into a single universal device.
Data Source
AI summary
A collection system for collecting outflow from a hysteroscopic surgical procedure includes a collection vessel and a mounting stand. The collection vessel defines an internal volume and includes a top portion and a bottom portion. The collection vessel is transitionable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The mounting stand includes an upper retainer and a lower retainer. The upper retainer of the mounting stand is configured to retain the top portion of the collection vessel and the lower retainer of the mounting stand is configured to retain the bottom portion of the collection vessel. The upper and lower retainers are configured to retain the collection vessel thereon in the expanded configuration.