Resectoscope Electrode Assembly Fork Arm Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resectoscopes face challenges in quickly clearing the field of view of optics from contamination due to turbulence caused by the transition region of the electrode arrangement in the rinsing liquid flow, which impedes the visibility during minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The electrode arrangement features fork assembly arms that are significantly longer than the stroke length, with a transition region designed as an S-shape, ensuring the transition area is far enough from the lens to minimize turbulence, and a guide element is used to stabilize the electrode shaft along the optics, reducing flow disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the transition region of the electrode arrangement is located close to the lens, then the electrode arrangement can be compact, but turbulence is created in the rinsing fluid flow which delays clearing of the field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the arms of the fork assembly in the longitudinal direction (along the optical axis) rather than keeping them compact laterally. This dimensional change allows the transition region to be positioned farther from the lens along the longitudinal axis, reducing turbulence in the rinsing fluid flow while maintaining lateral compactness of the electrode arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide element acts as an intermediary component that stabilizes the electrode shaft along the optics. By providing guidance and stability, it allows the electrode arrangement to maintain its extended position without excessive movement, thereby reducing flow disruptions and turbulence in the rinsing fluid while keeping the overall structure compact.
2Productivity
If the arms of the fork assembly are extended beyond 1.2 times the stroke length, then turbulence is reduced and field of view clears faster, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode arrangement incorporates a movable electrode shaft that can extend and retract along the longitudinal axis. This dynamic capability allows the transition region to be positioned optimally during surgery (extended position for reduced turbulence) while maintaining compact storage (retracted position). The S-shaped transition region further optimizes fluid flow dynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the fork assembly arms, extending them to more than 1.2 times the stroke length. This parameter change positions the transition region farther from the lens, reducing turbulence in the rinsing fluid flow and improving field of view clearing speed, while the overall design maintains reasonable complexity through efficient use of space.
3Length of moving object
If the transition region is positioned adjacent to the lens, then the electrode arrangement achieves maximum extension range, but flow disruptions occur that impede visibility
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the arms laterally to increase extension range, the patent extends them longitudinally along the optical axis. This dimensional change allows the transition region to be positioned at an optimal distance from the lens, reducing flow disruptions while maintaining effective extension range for surgical manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition region is designed with an S-shaped curved geometry rather than sharp angles or straight transitions. This curvature optimizes the flow of rinsing fluid around the electrode structure, reducing turbulence and flow disruptions that would otherwise impede visibility, while maintaining the extended position of the arms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a resectoscope (1) and an electrode assembly (10) therefor. The resectopscope (1) according to the invention comprises an elongated shaft tube (2), an elongated optic (4) arranged therein with a lens (5) at the distal end and an electrode assembly (10), wherein the electrode assembly (10) in turn comprises an electrode (11) arranged at the distal end of the arms (12) of a fork assembly (13), which are arranged on opposing sides of the lens (5) and are brought together in a transition region (14) to an electrode shaft (15), wherein the electrode assembly (10) can be extended in the longitudinal direction by a stroke length (90) from a first position, in which the electrode (11) is arranged inside the shaft tube (2) in front of the lens (5), into a second position in which the arms (12) of the fork assembly (13) protrude out of the shaft tube (2). The length (91) of the arms (12) of the fork assembly (13) is thereby greater than 1.2 times the stroke length (90). The electrode assembly (10) according to the invention is configured correspondingly.