Multi-layer PCB Insufflator with Integrated Flow Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insufflators for laparoscopic surgery face high production costs and error rates due to manual assembly of pneumatic and electrical components, and lack of compact and reliable designs that can achieve sufficient volume flows.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer circuit board with integrated flow channels, pressure sensors, and electronic components that eliminates the need for tubing and wiring, allowing for monolithic integration of electronics and fluidics, enabling automated and cost-effective manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pneumatic components are screwed firmly to the device housing with tubing connections, then the device can be manufactured with discrete parts, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and cannot be automated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates pneumatic components directly onto the circuit board, merging previously separate pneumatic and electronic assemblies into a single integrated unit. This eliminates tubing connections and enables automated manufacturing while maintaining device functionality.
2Reliability
If pneumatic components are integrated onto a single block, then tubing is eliminated and reliability increases, but the device complexity increases due to integrated block construction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pneumatic components with a circuit board-based system where flow channels are formed within the board structure itself. This substitution eliminates the need for separate pneumatic blocks and tubing while reducing overall construction complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If discrete parts are used for pressure sensors and electronic components, then assembly is flexible, but the error rate increases due to manual assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pressure sensors and electronic components into a single integrated circuit board assembly, eliminating the need for manual connection of separate parts. This integration maintains assembly flexibility while dramatically reducing error rates through automated manufacturing processes.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional insufflator design is used with separate pneumatic and electrical components, then the device can be assembled from standard parts, but the device size becomes large and compact design is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges pneumatic flow channels, electronic components, and pressure sensors into a single circuit board assembly, dramatically reducing device volume while maintaining manufacturability through standard PCB fabrication processes.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to an insufflator comprising a supply connection (22) and a delivery connection (14) and a pressure and flow measuring unit located between said connections (14, 22) for determining a gas pressure that prevails in the delivery connection and a measuring variable that characterises a volumetric gas flow in the delivery connection. The pressure and flow measuring unit comprises a multi-layer sheet (20), the interior of which contains at least one flow channel (26) that is connected to the supply connection (22) at its entry point and to the delivery connection (14) at its exit point (8). Pressure sensors (32, 34) and electronic components (4, 6) for wiring the pressure sensors are located on the sheet (20). Each pressure sensor is in direct contact with the flow channel (26) via a corresponding opening in the sheet layer that otherwise tightly seals said flow channel (26) and is designed to provide an output value that represents the static pressure prevailing at each opening.