Intestine Processing Device for Simultaneous Slitting and Despooging
Solution Overview
Problem
Current equipment for preparing intestinal submucosa tissue grafts is large, cumbersome, and difficult to use, requiring separate operations for slitting and despooging, which increases cycle time and labor costs, and poses safety concerns with exposed blades.
Innovation Solution
A portable device with a cylindrical member and scraping mechanism that allows for simultaneous slitting and despooging of small intestines, utilizing a cone-shaped shaft with machined ridges and radial openings for water supply, enabling efficient and safe processing of intestinal submucosa for tissue graft construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate operations for slitting and despooging are used, then each operation can be performed with dedicated equipment, but cycle time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines slitting and despooging operations into a single integrated device. The device includes a slitting mechanism with a blade for cutting the intestine longitudinally and a despooging mechanism with a scraping member for removing the mucosa layer. Both operations are performed simultaneously on the intestine as it passes through the device, eliminating the need for separate equipment and operations, thereby reducing cycle time and improving productivity while maintaining operation quality
2Reliability
If large cumbersome equipment is used, then sufficient processing capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the processing functions into distinct modular components: a slitting mechanism with a blade, a despooging mechanism with a scraping member, and a support structure with rollers. Each component performs a specific function and can be independently adjusted or maintained. This segmentation allows the device to provide sufficient processing capability while reducing overall complexity and improving ease of operation compared to large cumbersome integrated equipment
3Productivity
If exposed blades are used for slitting, then cutting efficiency is achieved, but safety concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a blade holder as an intermediary component that safely contains and controls the exposed blade. The blade is mounted in a holder that can be positioned and secured, allowing efficient cutting while reducing safety risks compared to completely exposed blades. The holder acts as a mediator between the cutting function and operator safety
Data Source
AI summary
A device for preparing small intestines of a vertebre is provided. The device includes a body for cooperation with the small intestines. The body defines an external periphery of the body. The device further includes means for longitudinally slitting the small intestines. The means for longitudinally slitting the small intestines is operably associated with the body. The device further includes means for despooging the small intestines in juxtaposition with said body.