Removable Pump Cassette for Powered Surgical Tool Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical/surgical irrigators are costly due to the need for internal components to withstand autoclave sterilization and are often provided as single-use disposable units, and existing pumpless motorless systems require additional consoles, which add to the cost and ergonomic challenges during use.
Innovation Solution
A medical/surgical irrigator assembly that includes a handpiece with a separate pump unit and a powered surgical tool, where the tool's motor drives the pump, allowing the pump unit to be releasably attached and configured for ergonomic use without the need for a separate console, and featuring a transmission and pump cassette to convert rotational motion into reciprocating motion for the pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If an irrigator includes internal pump and motor components able to withstand autoclave sterilization, then the irrigator can be reusable, but the cost of providing the irrigator increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigator system is divided into two segments: a reusable powered surgical tool containing the motor and a separate disposable pump unit. This segmentation allows the expensive motor component to be reused while the pump unit that contacts fluid is disposable, resolving the contradiction between reusability and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump unit is extracted from the powered surgical tool as a separate removable component. This extraction allows the pump to be disposed of after single use while the motorized tool can be sterilized and reused, addressing the cost-reusability tradeoff.
2Ease of manufacture
If a pumpless motorless irrigator system is used to reduce costs, then the cost of the irrigator decreases, but an additional console is required which adds to the cost and creates ergonomic challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The pump unit is integrated with the powered surgical tool by releasably attaching it to the drive spindle interface. This merging combines the advantages of both approaches: the pump is driven by the tool's motor (eliminating the need for a separate console) while remaining removable for disposal, thus reducing system complexity and improving ergonomics.
3Ease of operation
If the transmission and pump cassette extend above the tool, then the pump can be easily attached and detached, but the overall length of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission and pump cassette are designed with dynamic positioning capability, extending above the tool when attached to facilitate easy engagement and disengagement. The design allows the assembly to adapt its configuration based on operational state, improving attachability while managing overall length.
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
The solution reduces costs by eliminating the need for a separate console and provides a more ergonomic and efficient irrigation system with higher flow rates and impact pressures, reducing muscle strain during extended use.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a transmission and pump cassette to convert rotational motion into reciprocating motion for the pump
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigator that is powered by a surgical tool capable of driving an implement. The irrigator includes a pump contained in a pump housing adapted for attachment to the tool. The irrigator includes a tip assembly connected to the pump by a flexible supply tube. Thus the tip assembly can be position against tissue against which the irrigating fluid is to be applied without having to likewise position the tool and the pump.