Low-Pressure Insufflation Manifold for Stable Multi-Port Gas Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical gas delivery systems, such as those by SurgiQuest, face limitations in controlling gas flow rates dynamically, particularly with solenoid valves that have only two flow states, leading to instability and inefficiencies, especially in pediatric applications.
Innovation Solution
A low pressure manifold assembly with electro-mechanical valves and proportional valves for precise control of insufflation gas flow, including a primary proportional valve, outlet line valves, and safety vents, along with patient pressure sensors for dynamic adjustment to maintain stable pneumoperitoneum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If solenoid valves with fixed orifices are used to control gas flow, then the device structure is simple, but the gas flow rate control is limited to two states (zero and full flow) and cannot be dynamically adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed orifice solenoid valves with proportional valves that have variable orifices. The proportional valves can dynamically adjust the gas flow rate to any position between fully closed and fully open, enabling continuous control rather than binary on/off states. This allows the system to adapt gas flow rates to different surgical requirements, particularly for pediatric applications where lower flow rates are needed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a single large orifice valve is used for gas delivery, then the device structure is simple, but the pressure oscillation and pneumatic hammer increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the gas delivery system into multiple valve stages: a primary proportional valve for bulk flow control and secondary outlet line proportional valves for fine-tuned distribution to individual access ports. This multi-stage valve arrangement breaks up the gas flow into controlled segments, reducing pressure oscillations and eliminating pneumatic hammer while maintaining system stability.
3Measurement precision
If proportional valves with infinite intermediate flow settings are used, then the gas flow rate control precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different control functions to different valves in the system. The primary proportional valve handles coarse flow adjustment for overall gas delivery, while the secondary outlet line proportional valves provide fine-grained control for individual access ports. This distributed control architecture achieves high precision flow rate control localized to specific surgical sites without requiring the entire system to be overly complex.
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 achieves stable gas flow rates, reduces pressure oscillation, and eliminates pneumatic hammer, providing improved control and safety during laparoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a 6 mm orifice proportional valve has an infinite number of intermediate flow settings, or equivalent orifice diameters. Since flow is a function of the square of the orifice diameter, the additional intermediate valve positions of a proportional valve provide fine control beyond a simple linear relationship, as well as the ability to achieve stable flow rates at lower pressure
Implementation Method 2
the additional intermediate valve positions of a proportional valve provide fine control beyond a simple linear relationship, as well as the ability to achieve stable flow rates at lower pressure, reduce pressure oscillation
Implementation Method 3
a ventilation exhaust valve operatively associated with the exhaust port for controlling a flow of gas from the exhaust port
Implementation Method 4
a low pressure safety valve operatively associated with the safety vent port for limiting a maximum intermediate pressure within the manifold assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
A manifold assembly for a surgical gas delivery system is disclosed, which includes a manifold body having an inlet port for receiving insufflation gas from a gas source by way of a high pressure regulator, a first outlet port for delivering insufflation gas to a first access port and a second outlet port for delivering insufflation gas to a second access port, a first outlet line valve operatively associated with the first outlet port, wherein the first outlet line valve includes a first electro-mechanical valve actuator for dynamically controlling the flow of insufflation gas to the first access port, and a second outlet line valve operatively associated with the second outlet port, wherein the second outlet line valve includes a second electro-mechanical valve actuator for dynamically controlling the flow of insufflation gas to the second access port.