Multi-Lumen Tube Set Coupling for Fast Trocar Connection

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing mechanical connections between multi-lumen tube sets and surgical access devices require precise alignment and dexterity, are difficult to manufacture cost-effectively, and take an inordinate amount of time.

Innovation Solution

A coupling system with a multi-lumen trocar and tube set featuring a housing with concentric annular walls and a latch assembly for easy alignment and secure attachment, utilizing O-ring seals and spring-loaded latches for quick and reliable connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional mechanical connections are used between multi-lumen tube sets and surgical access devices, then gas flow integrity is maintained, but assembly time becomes inordinate and manufacturing becomes difficult and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas flow integrityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling system is divided into separate components: a coupling device with concentric annular walls and a latch assembly. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly while maintaining the seal integrity through the O-ring seals positioned between the concentric walls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded latches automatically engage with the trocar connector posts when the coupling is inserted, providing self-aligning and self-locking functionality. This eliminates the need for complex manual alignment procedures and reduces assembly time while ensuring reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If conventional mechanical connections are used between multi-lumen tube sets and surgical access devices, then gas flow integrity is maintained, but manufacturing cost-effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas flow integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost-effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling system is divided into separate components: a coupling device with concentric annular walls and a latch assembly. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly while maintaining the seal integrity through the O-ring seals positioned between the concentric walls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The use of standard O-ring seal parameters and conventional spring-loaded latch mechanisms allows the design to leverage existing manufacturing processes and components, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable gas flow integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional mechanical connections are used between multi-lumen tube sets and surgical access devices, then connection reliability is achieved, but operational ease deteriorates due to requiring precise alignment and dexterity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidalignment precision requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded latches automatically engage with the trocar connector posts when the coupling is inserted, providing self-aligning and self-locking functionality. This eliminates the need for complex manual alignment procedures and reduces assembly time while ensuring reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The concentric annular walls with O-ring seals are pre-positioned to automatically align with the trocar connector features during insertion. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for precise manual alignment during assembly, making the operation easier while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Facilitates easy, efficient, and cost-effective connection of multi-lumen tube sets to surgical access devices, reducing assembly time and improving manufacturability while maintaining gas flow integrity.

Implementation Method 1

each outer wall is surrounded by an O-ring seal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectO-ring seal:

Implementation Method 2

A latch assembly is operatively associated with the cylindrical body of the coupling for selectively engaging the connector of the trocar housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring-loaded latch: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS12427296B2Coupling devices for tube sets used with surgical gas delivery systems

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 SURGIQUEST INC

AI summary

A coupling system is disclosed for connecting a tube set to a trocar that includes a multi-lumen trocar having a housing that has a connector extending outwardly from the housing, the connector having a plurality of coaxial flow passages defined therein by a plurality of concentric annular walls, a multi-lumen tube set including a plurality of tubes arranged in a parallel relationship, a coupling including a generally cylindrical body having a first end portion adapted and configured to selectively mate with the coaxial flow passages of the connector of the trocar and a second end portion adapted and configured for attachment to the parallel tubes of the tube set, and a latch assembly operatively associated with the cylindrical body of the coupling for selectively engaging the connector of the trocar housing when the coupling mates with the connector.