Quick Release Filter Assembly for Pneumatic Surgical Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing surgical machines used for ophthalmic procedures face challenges with filter replacement, as it is time-consuming and often results in extended downtime, compromising patient safety due to inadequate gas pressure and potential equipment malfunctions from worn or dirty filters.
Innovation Solution
A quick release filter assembly for the pneumatic module, featuring a housing with input and output ports, a filter, and a flange mechanism that allows for easy removal and replacement, ensuring rapid restoration of the machine's functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional filter replacement methods are used, then the filter can be replaced, but the replacement process is time-consuming and results in extended machine downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is divided into separable components with a quick-release mechanism that allows the filter to be independently removed from the housing. The flange with latch features enables the filter element to be detached without removing the entire housing or disassembling multiple fasteners, thus reducing replacement time while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-release mechanism incorporates movable latch features that can be rapidly engaged and disengaged. The flange design allows the filter to be quickly secured or removed by simple lateral movement of the latch, transforming the static fastening process into a dynamic, rapid operation that minimizes downtime.
2Reliability
If the filter is not replaced promptly, then the machine can continue operating, but gas pressure becomes inadequate and equipment malfunctions may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release filter assembly allows filters to be replaced proactively before failure occurs. The easy removal mechanism enables maintenance personnel to quickly swap filters as part of routine maintenance schedules, ensuring filters are always in optimal condition without causing extended downtime, thus maintaining both reliability and productivity.
3Reliability
If a secure connection mechanism is used to ensure proper gas pressure, then the connection is reliable, but the replacement process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The complex secure connection features (latches, sealing surfaces, alignment pins) are extracted as integrated components of the quick-release assembly. These features are pre-configured on the flange and housing, allowing the filter to be securely connected when engaged but easily removed when the latch is released, thus providing reliability without adding operational complexity.
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 quick and easy filter replacement, reducing downtime and ensuring consistent gas pressure for safe and effective surgical operations, thereby enhancing the reliability of ophthalmic surgical machines.
Implementation Method 1
The filter is located in the housing between the input port and the output port
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A quick release filter assembly (100) for a pneumatic module (500) of a surgical machine includes a housing (105), an input port (130), an output port (305), a filter, and a flange (140). The housing has first (205) and second (315) sides, a top (115), and a bottom (117). The input port is located on the first side of the housing and is configured to permit gas to enter the housing. The output port is located on the second side of the housing and is configured to permit gas to exit the housing. The filter is located in the housing between the input port and the output port. The flange is rigidly connected to the housing along a periphery of the top of the housing. The flange extends outward along a plane generally parallel with the top of the housing. The flange has a mechanism for connecting the housing to a mounting portion (440) of the pneumatic module. When the mechanism is disengaged, the filter assembly can be removed from the pneumatic module.