Medical Elastic Sheet Rib Structure Damage Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical elastic sheets used in endoscopic surgery are prone to damage from sharp tips of medical devices, leading to expansion of the damage and loss of protective patency to the body.
Innovation Solution
A medical elastic sheet with a plate-like base portion and rib portions formed on at least one surface, where the base portion has cell regions surrounded by rib portions and the rib portions are continuously connected, is used in conjunction with annular outer and inner rings to form a medical device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a thin silicone rubber tubular member is used, then flexibility and ease of operation are improved, but the sharp tip of surgical instruments may contact and damage the tubular member, causing tears or breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic sheet uses a composite structure combining a polymer film layer with a fabric layer containing elastic fibers. This composite construction provides both the flexibility needed for surgical operation and enhanced strength to resist damage from sharp instrument tips, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and damage resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric layer is strategically positioned within the elastic sheet to provide localized reinforcement where strength is needed most, while the polymer film maintains overall flexibility. This local quality enhancement allows the sheet to resist puncture and tearing without sacrificing the flexibility required for surgical manipulation.
2Reliability
If the flexible sheath is stretched in use, then protective patency is improved, but the tension may cause damaged parts to tear and widen
Solution Approach 1:
The combination of polymer film and fabric layer creates a composite material that can withstand tensile stress. The fabric layer's elastic fibers provide tensile strength that prevents damage expansion when the sheath is stretched during use, while maintaining the protective patency function.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforced fabric layer acts as a preventive measure against damage expansion. By incorporating this stronger layer beforehand, the structure is prepared to resist the tensile forces that occur during stretching, preventing minor damage from worsening into complete failure.
3Strength
If a fabric layer is combined with polymer film layer, then strength and damage resistance are improved, but flexibility and elongation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric layer is integrated within the multi-layer structure to provide localized strength enhancement without making the entire sheath rigid. The polymer film layers surrounding the fabric maintain flexibility, creating a structure where strength and flexibility coexist through spatial distribution of properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layer composite construction allows each layer to contribute its specific properties: the polymer film provides flexibility and elasticity, while the fabric layer provides tensile strength and damage resistance. The synergistic combination resolves the contradiction between strength and flexibility.
4Reliability
If a multi-layer structure with fabric layer is used, then damage resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-layer composite structure can be manufactured using conventional lamination or co-extrusion techniques that are well-established in the industry. While the structure is more complex than a single layer, the manufacturing processes remain relatively simple and scalable, balancing improved damage resistance with acceptable manufacturing complexity.
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 solution effectively suppresses the expansion of damage even if the elastic sheet is damaged, while maintaining protective patency to the body, and reduces material costs and manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the base portion comprises a plurality of cell regions that are each surrounded on an entire circumference by the rib portions and are continuously formed in plane through the rib portions
Implementation Method 2
The flexible sheath is formed from multiple layers including a polymer film layer (e.g., a polyurethane layer) and a fabric layer (e.g., polyester woven fabric, metal components of metal fibers or strands), which allows the elasticity of the fabric layer to be modified
Data Source
AI summary
A medical elastic sheet includes a plate-like base portion, and rib portions formed on at least one surface of the base portion, wherein the base portion comprises a plurality of cell regions that are each surrounded on an entire circumference by the rib portions and are continuously formed in plane through the rib portions, and wherein the rib portions are continuously connected to each other.