Modular Surgical Training System with Combination Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical training systems are cumbersome, require extensive maintenance, and involve high costs due to the need for frequent replacement of anatomical structures and consumable media, leading to time-consuming cleaning and limited flexibility in simulating various surgical interventions.
Innovation Solution
A modular surgical training system comprising a reusable base module and regenerable training module, where the training module holds consumable media and anatomical structures, and is detachably connected to the base module via a combination interface for pneumatic, mechanical, or electric energy transmission, allowing for flexible and efficient simulation of various surgical scenarios without the need for user calibration or contact with consumable liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If peristaltic pumps are used to convey consumable media, then the media can be conveyed through the system, but dead times occur in the conveyance and the system requires frequent cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces peristaltic pumps (mechanical system with moving parts) with a pressure-based conveyance system using compressible gas. This substitution eliminates the dead times and mechanical wear associated with peristaltic pumps, as gas pressure can be applied continuously without mechanical cycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure (compressible gas) to convey consumable media through the training system. This pneumatic approach allows continuous flow without the intermittent dead times of peristaltic pumps and simplifies the conveyance mechanism, reducing maintenance requirements.
2Reliability
If anatomical structures and sensors are replaced before each training session, then realistic simulation is maintained, but costs and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the training system into separable modules: reusable base module and disposable training module. This segmentation allows the training module (with anatomical structures and sensors) to be quickly exchanged without affecting the base module, reducing setup time while maintaining simulation realism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable training modules containing consumable media and anatomical structures. These single-use modules eliminate the need for cleaning and complex sensor replacement, allowing rapid exchange between training sessions while maintaining consistent simulation quality.
3Productivity
If consumable media are refilled repeatedly, then the training system can be used continuously, but deposits and encrustations occur leading to sticking and clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable training modules with sealed consumable media reservoirs. Each module is used once and then discarded, preventing the accumulation of deposits and encrustations that would occur with repeated refilling of permanent reservoirs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the consumable media and anatomical structures into separate disposable training modules. This extraction allows the media to be contained in sealed, single-use units that are removed after one use, eliminating the clogging problem associated with repeated refilling operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a modular design with detachable connection is used, then flexibility and quick setup are improved, but connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connection functions (pneumatic, mechanical, electrical) into a single integrated combination interface. This merging ensures that all connections are made simultaneously through one attachment action, maintaining both flexibility and reliability without requiring separate connection steps.
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 modular design enables quick setup and teardown, reduces maintenance requirements, prevents soiling of the training system, and allows for flexible training across multiple anatomical areas, enhancing realism and reducing operational and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one consumable medium can be conveyed into the anatomical structures and/or a pressure can be built up in the anatomical structure by the conveying means
Implementation Method 2
Via the combination interface, pneumatic and/or mechanical and/or electric energy can be transmitted from the base module to the training module
Data Source
AI summary
A modular surgical training system for training surgical interventions, includes a training module and a base module. The training module reproduces or has anatomical structures and is capable of holding at least one consumable medium. The base module supplies energy to the training module. The training module and the base module are connected to one another via a combination interface. The base module and the training module include conveying means connected via the combination interface. At least one consumable medium can be conveyed into the anatomical structures by the conveying means. The base module includes a sensor module that measures at least one physical variable. The sensor module and the training module include measurement means connected via the combination interface. The measurement means in the training module includes at least one air-filled connection means.