Resectoscope Transporter Latch System Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current transporters used in resectoscopes for endoscopic surgery have latch systems that are difficult to clean and sterilize due to narrow gaps and closed channels, leading to contamination risks and inefficiencies in maintenance.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating irrigation grooves parallel to the longitudinal axis between the latch element and connection body in the latch system, allowing for improved cleaning and sterilization by facilitating the flow of irrigation liquid and sterilization gas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the latch system uses a closed channel design with the latch element arranged inside the connection body, then the latching connection is secure and compact, but cleaning and sterilization become difficult due to narrow gaps and inaccessible areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatching connection securityVSAvoidcleaning and sterilization accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the closed channel into multiple segments by introducing through-going irrigation channels that penetrate the connection body. These channels segment the previously enclosed space into accessible zones that can be flushed through, allowing cleaning solutions to reach all surfaces of the latch element and surrounding areas without requiring disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The irrigation channels act as intermediary pathways that mediate between the external cleaning environment and the internal latch system components. By providing these fluid conduits, the patent enables indirect access to difficult-to-reach areas, allowing cleaning solutions to flow through and contact surfaces that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the latch element is arranged transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the transporter, then the latching mechanism functions effectively, but dirt accumulation occurs in the narrow gaps around the latch element

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatching mechanism functionalityVSAvoiddirt accumulation and contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs hydraulic flushing through the irrigation channels to remove dirt accumulation. The channels conduct irrigation liquid along the longitudinal axis of the transporter, creating a hydraulic flow that actively cleans the latch element and surrounding gaps during normal operation or maintenance cycles, preventing dirt buildup despite the transverse arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Reliability

If spring elements or shaped elastomer parts are used in the latching connection, then the latch element returns to its starting position reliably, but deformation during actuation creates difficult-to-clean cavities where dirt can become trapped

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch element position controlVSAvoidcleanability of spring element areas

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The irrigation channels are designed to segment and penetrate around the spring elements and elastomer parts, dividing the previously enclosed deformation zones into accessible channels. This segmentation allows cleaning solutions to flow through and contact all surfaces, including those involved in the actuation deformation, eliminating hidden cavities where dirt could accumulate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 modified latch system enables thorough rinsing and sterilization of all latch system components, significantly reducing contamination risks and ensuring a higher level of cleanliness and sterility, essential for medical instruments.

Implementation Method 1

one or more irrigation channels, arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the latch element, are formed between latch element and connection body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

allowing for improved cleaning and sterilization by facilitating the flow of irrigation liquid and sterilization gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas flow:

Data Source

PatentUS12193696B2Transporter with locking device

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH

AI summary

A transporter for a resectoscope for endoscopic surgery, wherein the transporter has a connection body and, for connection to a system component in the connection body, a latch system including an elongate latch element, which is arranged transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the transporter and has an engagement opening or an engagement groove, and a spring element, wherein one or more irrigation channels, arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the latch element, are formed between latch element and connection body. The invention further relates to a resectoscope for use in endoscopic surgery, wherein it includes a transporter according to one of the preceding claims and preferably a system component latched in the transporter.