Rotating Cannula Motor with Bypass Flow Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power-assisted lipoplasty devices face issues with axial movement, leading to potential tissue damage and premature motor failure due to autoclaving, necessitating a device with angular rotation and a durable design for repeated use.

Innovation Solution

A device with a motor that rotates a cannula mechanically, providing a direct flow path for adipose tissue aspiration without passing through the motor, using a removable coupler and gears to facilitate rotation while ensuring the motor can withstand autoclaving multiple times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the cannula moves axially during aspiration, then adipose tissue removal efficiency is improved, but tissue damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadipose tissue removal efficiencyVSAvoidtissue damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the movement dimension from axial (linear back-and-forth) to angular (rotational). The cannula rotates about its longitudinal axis during aspiration, allowing efficient tissue removal while eliminating the risk of puncturing skin or muscle tissue that occurs with axial movement. The rotational motion provides mechanical assistance for adipose tissue emulsification and removal without compromising safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the flow path passes through the motor, then device simplicity is improved, but motor durability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidmotor durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the device into distinct functional zones: the motor assembly and the flow path. The flow path for adipose tissue aspiration is designed to bypass the motor entirely, passing through a separate channel that does not intersect with the motor. This segmentation allows the motor to be sterilized multiple times without degradation while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure. The motor and flow path are separated into independent functional regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the cannula rotates angularly, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the motor function with the cannula rotation function. The motor is directly coupled to the cannula assembly, providing angular rotation of the cannula during aspiration. This integration achieves safety improvement through rotational movement while minimizing the increase in device complexity by combining multiple functions into a unified assembly rather than adding separate independent systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enhances the safety and efficiency of adipose tissue removal by preventing tissue damage and extending the device's lifespan through mechanical rotation and a sealed flow path, reducing the risk of motor degradation and leaks.

Implementation Method 1

A device with a motor that rotates a cannula mechanically, providing a direct flow path for adipose tissue aspiration without passing through the motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical rotation:

Implementation Method 2

removing adipose tissue from a surgical site by aspiration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAspiration: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3777721B1Power assisted lipoplasty
Publication Date: 2022.06.22 SOLTA MEDICAL INC
  • EP3777721B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3777721B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3777721B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Devices with a motor that, when connected to a cannula, rotates the cannula while removing adipose tissue from a surgical site. The device provides a direct pathway, for aspirated adipose tissue, from a tip of the cannula to a location where tubing is attached to the device. The pathway does not pass through the motor that provides the angular rotation of the cannula. Instead, the path for the adipose tissue passes through a removable coupler that is connected to the cannula. The cannula may also have a direct flow path for adipose tissue that does not pass through the motor.