Instrument Port Optical Bulb Mechanical Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current instrument guides for minimally invasive cardiac surgery face challenges such as reliance on operator vision, degradation of imaging systems by body fluids, and adhesive failures, leading to ineffective imaging and increased infection risk.
Innovation Solution
An instrument port design featuring a bulb with a flange and connecting rods, a spring mechanism for secure attachment, and a compressible gasket to form a fluid-tight seal, integrated with an imaging system for clear visualization within the surgical site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secondary optical system (endoscope) is inserted next to or into the instrument guide, then imaging capability is provided, but the instrument guide becomes larger in diameter and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the imaging system and instrument guide into a single integrated unit. The optical bulb is positioned at the distal end of the instrument guide, eliminating the need for separate imaging channels or adjacent endoscopes. This merging reduces the overall diameter requirement while maintaining full imaging functionality throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument guide serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical guidance for instrument insertion and houses the imaging system for visualization. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated imaging devices, reducing complexity and diameter while improving reliability by ensuring the imaging system remains positioned throughout the procedure.
2Reliability
If the secondary optical system is located next to the instrument guide, then imaging is possible, but the optical system is exposed to body fluids which limits clarity and increases infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the optical bulb within the instrument guide lumen rather than positioning it externally, the design ensures the imaging system remains protected within the sterile barrier of the instrument guide, preventing direct exposure to body fluids while maintaining continuous imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument guide lumen acts as an intermediary protective barrier between the optical system and body fluids. The optical bulb is positioned at the distal end within this protected environment, allowing imaging while the guide structure shields the optical components from direct contact with blood and other contaminants.
3Ease of manufacture
If adhesive is used to attach the optical bulb to the instrument guide, then assembly is simplified, but the adhesive can fail under external force causing imaging system failure
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into multiple independent mechanical features: the distal flange on the optical bulb, the connecting rods, and the distal end cap on the instrument guide. This segmentation distributes the mechanical load across multiple points rather than relying on a single adhesive bond, dramatically improving attachment reliability under external forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (adhesive) with a mechanical fastening system consisting of the flange, connecting rods, and threaded end cap. This mechanical substitution provides reliable, force-resistant attachment while maintaining ease of assembly through the straightforward engagement of these mechanical features.
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 design enhances imaging clarity, reduces infection risk, and maintains a secure mechanical connection, even under external forces, allowing for precise and safe minimally invasive cardiac procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a spring disposed between the distal end of the hollow cylindrical body and the proximal end of the port body, wherein a compression of the spring causes the spring to generate a first spring mechanical force in the proximal direction and a second spring mechanical force in the distal direction
Implementation Method 2
a compressible gasket disposed between the distal end of the port body and the bulb, wherein the compressible gasket forms a fluid-tight seal between the port body and the bulb
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument port includes a port body, a bulb disposed at the distal end of the port body, a base body disposed at the proximal end of the port body, a hollow cylindrical body mechanically coupled to the base body, and a plurality of connecting rods disposed parallel to the port body. Each connecting rod includes a distal rod portion that is mechanically coupled to a respective distal-facing exterior surface of a bulb flange and a proximal rod portion that is mechanically coupled to a respective proximal-facing surface of the base body. A spring applies a spring force against the port body to press the port body into the bulb to mechanically secure the bulb to the base body.