Laparoscopic Connector Seal Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laparoscopic procedures face complications due to fluid breaches and electrical leaks at the connection between the tip and tube end, leading to potential contamination and damage, especially when reprocessing single-use devices, which can result in subpar performance and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a rigid base and integrally formed seal, made from different materials, provides a fluidically sealing and electrically insulating connection between the laparoscopic tube end and the instrument tip, using a dual-threaded design with a seal that deforms upon engagement to ensure integrity and prevent reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a seal is used to create a barrier for electricity and fluids at the connection between tip and tube end, then fluid intrusion and electrical leaks are prevented, but the seal degrades over time and with repeated sterilization cycles, losing its integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as a single-use disposable component that is discarded after one use, eliminating the need for repeated sterilization cycles that degrade seals. This ensures the seal maintains its integrity throughout the device's service life without degradation from reprocessing, as the entire connector including the seal is replaced with each new tip insertion.
2Strength
If a dual-threaded connector design is used to secure the tip to the tube end, then a strong mechanical connection is achieved, but the seal is subjected to high loads and stress
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design separates the mechanical fastening function from the sealing function. The dual-threaded mechanism provides the mechanical connection and load-bearing capability, while the seal is positioned and configured to create a fluid barrier without bearing the full mechanical load of the threaded connection, thereby reducing stress on the seal material.
3Productivity
If single-use devices are reprocessed and reused to save costs, then costs are reduced and waste is decreased, but the devices may not function as well and may result in harm to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as a single-use disposable component that is discarded after one use, eliminating the need for reprocessing and reuse. This ensures consistent performance and safety without the degradation issues associated with repeated sterilization and use, while the low cost of the disposable connector minimizes waste management concerns.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If extensive sterilization methods including heating, cooling, and chemical flushing are applied to the device, then sterilization is achieved, but the seal degrades to the point where it loses its integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as a single-use disposable component that is discarded after one use, eliminating the need for repeated sterilization cycles. This approach ensures the seal maintains its integrity throughout the device's service life without degradation from autoclaving, chemical sterilants, or other reprocessing methods.
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 connector effectively prevents fluid intrusion and electrical leaks, maintaining the integrity of the seal over multiple uses and preventing reuse, thus ensuring safety and performance during minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a seal (105) configured to deform upon engaging the tube end (11)
Implementation Method 2
provide a connection between the tube end and the tip end that is electrically insulative
Implementation Method 3
a seal that deforms upon engagement to ensure integrity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
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AI summary
A connector for connecting an instrument tip with a laparoscopic tube end, the connector including a base forming a body of the connector, the base having a lumen configured to accommodate an instrument tip actuator therein, and a seal permanently bonded to an inner surface of a proximal end of the base and configured to deform upon connection of the connector with the tube end.