Multi-Sensor Insufflation Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Insufflators used in minimally invasive surgery face challenges in accurately controlling gas flow rates, particularly at low and high ranges, which is critical for maintaining proper pneumoperitoneum and ensuring patient safety, especially in pediatric patients where flow rates are sensitive and require high precision.
Innovation Solution
An insufflation system with multiple flow rate sensors, each designed for specific ranges, and a controller that selects the appropriate sensor based on desired flow rates to ensure accurate gas delivery, using a manifold and valves to manage gas flow and pressure, allowing for precise control across varying flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single flow rate sensor is used to measure across the entire flow rate range (0.1 to 50 liters per minute), then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates at both low and high flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow rate measurement range is segmented into multiple zones, with each zone handled by a dedicated flow rate sensor optimized for that specific range. This segmentation allows each sensor to operate within its optimal measurement window, achieving high precision across the entire 0.1 to 50 liters per minute range while managing complexity through modular sensor selection
2Productivity
If the maximum flow rate capability is increased to 50 liters per minute to meet surgical demands, then the productivity is improved, but the measurement precision at low flow rates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different flow rate sensors with different measurement characteristics are applied to different flow rate zones. Low flow rate sensors with high precision are used for pediatric and delicate procedures, while high flow rate sensors are used for adult surgeries requiring up to 50 liters per minute. This local quality approach ensures optimal measurement precision is maintained at each flow rate level
3Measurement precision
If multiple flow rate sensors are used to cover different flow rate ranges, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects which flow rate sensor to use based on the current surgical requirements and desired flow rate. The controller switches between sensors as needed, allowing the system to adapt to different surgical scenarios (pediatric vs. adult, different surgical stages) without requiring all sensors to be actively engaged simultaneously, thus managing complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
Insufflation systems including a plurality of flow rate sensors are disclosed. Each flow rate sensor is configured to measure flow across a different flow rate range, with the combined flow rate ranges of the sensors encompassing the entire flow rate capability of the insufflation system. A controller selects the most appropriate flow rate sensor based on the gas flow required to be delivered to the patient.