Reflux Trap Baffle Deflector for Plasma Generator Backflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plasma generators face contamination issues due to backflow of inert gases, fluids, and debris from patients during surgical procedures, which can lead to component contamination.

Innovation Solution

A reflux trap with a trap housing containing a proximal diffuser chamber and a distal deflector chamber separated by a baffle, directing inert gas to the surgical site while deflecting and collecting fluids and debris back into a collection area within the reflux trap.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a plasma generator is used during surgical procedures, then electrosurgical energy can be delivered to cut and coagulate tissue, but fluids and debris from the patient may flow back into the plasma generator causing component contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem cleanlinessVSAvoidcomponent contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A reflux trap is introduced as an intermediary device between the plasma generator and the surgical probe. This trap captures fluids and debris before they can enter the plasma generator, while allowing inert gas to pass through to the probe. The intermediary device resolves the contradiction by protecting the plasma generator from contamination without interrupting the surgical function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The gas feed conduit is segmented into distinct functional zones: a proximal diffuser chamber for gas delivery, a distal deflector chamber for fluid capture, and a collection area for debris accumulation. This segmentation allows different regions to perform specialized functions - gas flow is maintained while fluids and debris are separated and contained in specific zones, preventing contamination of the plasma generator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a reflux trap is added to prevent backflow, then component contamination is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent contaminationVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reflux trap merges multiple protective functions into a single integrated component. It combines the diffuser function, deflector function, and collection function into one device that is disposed in fluid transfer communication with the gas feed conduit. This merging approach prevents contamination without requiring multiple separate devices or complex systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reflux trap is designed to be self-cleaning and self-maintaining to the extent possible. The inclined surfaces and gravity-assisted flow patterns allow fluids and debris to naturally drain into the collection area without requiring active pumping or complex control mechanisms. This self-service design minimizes the complexity while maintaining effective protection against contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Effectively prevents the backflow of fluids and debris into the plasma generator, maintaining system cleanliness and preventing component contamination.

Implementation Method 1

a baffle including a centrally disposed inner baffle member including a baffle element or base and at least one gas flow aperture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas flow direction through apertures:

Implementation Method 2

a deflection member including an inclined surface extending from the baffle element or base into the distal deflection chamber such that fluids and debris flowing back into the distal deflection chamber from the patient impign on the inclined surface and are deflected to a collection area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid deflection by inclined surface:

Implementation Method 3

a diffuser member including an inclined surface extending from the baffle element or base into the proximal diffuser chamber such that the inert gas fed into the diffuser chamber from the inert gas source impigns on the inclined surface and is directed or diffused through the gas flow aperture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas flow direction by inclined surface:

Data Source

PatentUS8114181B2Reflux trap device

Publication Date: 2012.02.14 APYX MEDICAL CORP

AI summary

A reflux trap for use in a plasma generator and delivery system to prevent back flow of fluid and debris from a patient during a surgical procedure including a trap housing having a proximal diffuser chamber and a distal deflection chamber with a collection area separated by a baffle disposed within the trap housing including a diffuser member disposed in the proximal diffuser chamber to diffuse gas through a gas flow aperture to the surgical site on the patient and a deflection member disposed in the distal deflection chamber to deflect fluid and debris away from the gas flow aperture to the collection area to prevent fluid and debris from migrating into the proximal diffuser chamber to isolate the plasma generator against back flow of fluid and debris from the patient.