Laminar-flow operating theatre
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laminar flow operating theaters struggle to prevent particles from surfaces near the operation area from being lifted and potentially causing infection, as conventional designs often result in vortex formation and reduced air purity due to turbulent flows around surgical instruments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an oblique laminar flow emitting and absorption system, where the flow is directed horizontally and follows an arc parallel to the surgical region, with air absorption units positioned at angles between 40° to 60° to prevent particle migration and maintain laminar flow purity, combined with a casing for instruments that incorporates a porous surface structure to enhance particle retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional laminar flow systems are used with vertical or frontal flow directions, then particle removal from the operating region is achieved, but particles are lifted from surfaces near the operation area and turbulence is generated around surgical instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the air outlet and air inlet at different oblique angles relative to the support plane, creating an asymmetric flow pattern that follows an arc trajectory. This asymmetric configuration allows the laminar flow to pass underneath surgical instruments without generating turbulence, while still effectively preventing particle migration to the surgical region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional vertical or frontal flow directions to a three-dimensional oblique flow configuration. By directing the air outlet and air inlet at specific oblique angles, the flow operates in a different spatial dimension, creating an arc-shaped trajectory that passes underneath instruments and maintains laminar flow characteristics throughout the surgical region.
2Reliability
If flow direction is adjusted to pass under instruments, then turbulence around instruments is reduced, but particle removal efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the oblique angles of the air outlet and air inlet to specific ranges (40°-60° relative to the support plane). This precise parameter adjustment ensures that the flow follows an optimal arc trajectory that passes underneath instruments while maintaining sufficient velocity and direction control to prevent particle migration, thereby simultaneously achieving both objectives.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If oblique flow configuration is implemented, then particle migration is prevented and laminar flow is maintained, but device complexity increases due to angled positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the oblique flow system to serve multiple functions simultaneously: the same angled air outlet and air inlet configuration that creates the arc-shaped laminar flow also defines the boundaries of the sterile surgical region, controls particle migration, and maintains flow characteristics around instruments. This multi-functional design reduces the need for additional separate components.
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
This configuration effectively prevents particle migration to the surgical region, maintaining air purity and ensuring a controlled laminar flow around surgical instruments, thereby reducing the risk of infection and enhancing surgical conditions.
Implementation Method 1
laminar flow emitting unit emits the laminar flow in a horizontal direction that is oblique with respect to the longitudinal position of the support
Implementation Method 2
the air absorption unit is in a horizontal absorption direction which is oblique with respect to said longitudinal direction of the patient support
Data Source
AI summary
Laminar-flow operating theatre that comprises a support (4) that defines a horizontal plane, on which the patient (2) rests, which has a main longitudinal direction, on which support (4) there is, in addition, an operating region (R), laminar-flow-emitting unit (5) and an air-absorption unit (6), wherein the laminar-flow-emitting unit (5) emits the laminar flow in a horizontal direction which is oblique with respect to the longitudinal position of the support (4) such that said direction of incidence of the flow reaches the operating region (R) for the patient (4), and the air-absorption unit (6) is in a horizontal absorption direction which is oblique with respect to said longitudinal direction of the patient's support (4).