Pneumoperitoneum Apparatus Flow Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pneumoperitoneum apparatuses for endoscopes lack efficient control over insufflation flow rates, leading to suboptimal inflation of body cavities during medical procedures, especially when using endoscopes with varying internal diameters.
Innovation Solution
A pneumoperitoneum apparatus with an insufflation gas source, flow rate measuring and adjusting system, and a control mechanism that adjusts the insufflation flow rate through an electro-pneumatic proportional valve to match a set flow rate, storing adjustment values for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional pneumoperitoneum apparatus is used without an endoscope insufflation conduit, then the apparatus can perform pneumoperitoneum inside the abdominal cavity, but the apparatus lacks precise control over insufflation flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the insufflation conduit system within the endoscope structure, nesting the insufflation function inside the existing endoscope conduit. The insufflation gas source and control mechanisms are incorporated into the endoscope's internal architecture, allowing flow rate measurement and control without adding external apparatus complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical flow rate adjustment with an automated control system that uses flow rate sensors and electronic control mechanisms. The electro-pneumatic proportional valve and flow rate measuring section substitute for traditional mechanical adjustment methods, providing precise digital control over insufflation flow rate
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pneumoperitoneum apparatus uses a fixed insufflation flow rate, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the apparatus cannot adapt to endoscopes with varying internal diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where flow rate sensors continuously monitor the actual insufflation flow rate and provide this information to the control mechanism. The system compares measured flow rate with target flow rate and automatically adjusts the electro-pneumatic proportional valve to maintain the desired flow rate, enabling adaptation to different endoscope diameters without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the insufflation system dynamically adjustable by incorporating an electro-pneumatic proportional valve that can continuously vary the flow rate based on real-time conditions. The system transitions from static fixed flow rate to dynamic controlled flow rate, automatically adapting to different endoscope configurations and surgical requirements
3Extent of automation
If manual flow rate adjustment is used, then the apparatus structure is simple, but user intervention is required for every flow rate change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the insufflation system to self-regulate flow rate through automated control mechanisms. The flow rate sensors and electro-pneumatic proportional valve work together to automatically maintain the desired flow rate without requiring continuous user intervention. The system monitors and adjusts itself based on real-time flow rate measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional control system that combines flow rate measurement, flow rate control, and adaptation to different endoscope types into a single integrated apparatus. The electro-pneumatic proportional valve and control mechanisms serve multiple functions including flow rate regulation, adaptation to different conduit sizes, and maintenance of optimal insufflation conditions across various surgical scenarios
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
Ensures consistent and controlled pneumoperitoneum, allowing for precise inflation of body cavities regardless of endoscope diameter, enhancing procedural efficiency and reducing user intervention in flow rate adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a flow rate sensor measures a flow rate and outputs the flow rate to a controller
Implementation Method 2
the controller adjusts the flow rate via an electro-pneumatic proportional valve
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumoperitoneum apparatus includes: an insufflation conduit for pneumoperitoneum; an endoscope connection tube connecting the insufflation conduit for pneumoperitoneum; an insufflation flow rate measuring section that measures an insufflation flow rate as a measured flow rate; a set flow rate setting section that sets the measured insufflation flow rate to a target set flow rate; an insufflation flow rate adjusting section; an adjustment value storing section that if the measured flow rate is equal to the target set flow rate, stores the adjustment value for the insufflation flow rate adjusting section; and a control section that if the measured flow rate varies to a value that is equal to or below a threshold value after the measured flow rate reaches the target set flow rate, performs control to set the adjustment value read from the adjustment value storing section for the insufflation flow rate adjusting section.