Single-Handed Insufflation Pump With Pivoting Linkage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current insufflation pumps require two hands for operation, making it difficult for a single physician to simultaneously control and inflate angioplasty balloons during medical procedures, and there is a need for efficient catheter flushing methods that are labor-intensive and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A single-handed insufflation pump design with a syringe mechanism and actuation mechanism linked by a pivoting mechanical linkage, allowing for controlled inflation of dilatation balloons and facilitating easy catheter flushing with a sealed system and click stop mechanism for precise fluid management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional insufflation pump design is used, then the device can inflate balloons, but it requires two hands for operation making it difficult for a single physician to simultaneously control and inflate angioplasty balloons

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesingle-handed operationVSAvoidmechanical linkage system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the actuation mechanism and syringe mechanism into a single integrated device. The mechanical linkage member connects the actuator to the plunger, allowing both functions to be performed by one hand through a unified structure rather than separate components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a pivoting mechanical linkage member that dynamically transfers motion from the actuator to the plunger. This dynamic mechanism allows the device to adapt its internal component positions while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for single-handed operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If scheduled flushing of catheters is performed manually, then catheter occlusion can be prevented, but it becomes labor intensive and time consuming requiring visiting nurses for daily catheter care

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatheter function maintenanceVSAvoidlabor efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The insufflation pump enables self-flushing capability where patients or caregivers can independently flush catheters without requiring nursing intervention. The device includes all necessary components (syringe mechanism, fluid reservoir, connection interface) to perform flushing autonomously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual syringe-flushing method with a mechanically assisted pump system that provides controlled fluid delivery. The mechanical linkage and actuator system substitute for manual pulling and pushing actions, making the flushing process more efficient and reliable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables a single physician to perform precise and controlled angioplasty with single-handed operation and reduces the labor required for catheter flushing, improving procedural efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

The syringe mechanism and the actuation mechanism are linked by a pivoting mechanical linkage member facilitating the transfer of power from the actuation mechanism to the syringe mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS8986247B2Insufflation pump
Publication Date: 2015.03.24 MILLER MEDICAL LLC
  • US8986247B2 patent drawing
  • US8986247B2 patent drawing
  • US8986247B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An insufflation pump is provided for single handed actuation for inflation of dilatation balloons or other inflatable devices employed during medical procedures. The insufflation pump includes a pump body having a first end and a second end. The first end is provided with a syringe mechanism and the second end is provided with an actuation mechanism. The syringe mechanism and the actuation mechanism are linked by a pivoting mechanical linkage member facilitating the transfer of power from the actuation mechanism to the syringe mechanism. The actuation mechanism includes an actuator pivotally secured adjacent the second end of the pump body. The linkage member includes a first end and a second end, the first end of which is pivotally connected to the second end of the actuator, the second end of the linkage member is pivotally secured to the plunger of the syringe mechanism.