Sampling Instrument Coupling With Sealing and Anti-Buckling Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for collecting samples from within a body using elongated instruments are inadequate in ensuring fluid containment and precise control during minimally invasive procedures, potentially damaging the instruments and compromising sample integrity.
Innovation Solution
A control system for elongated instruments, including a coupling with sealing members and a locking mechanism, that secures and seals the instrument within an insertion device, along with a control device for precise manipulation and orientation, ensuring fluid containment and preventing damage during sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elongated instruments are conveyed to target location using insertion devices, then minimally invasive sampling is enabled, but fluid containment and instrument control are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated instrument is nested within the insertion device, which itself is nested within the coupling system. The bushing provides an intermediate nested structure that seals between the insertion device and the coupling, creating multiple nested sealing zones that maintain fluid containment while enabling minimally invasive access to target locations
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing acts as an intermediary component between the insertion device and the coupling. It provides a sealing surface that mediates the connection, preventing fluid leakage while allowing the elongated instrument to pass through. The intermediary bushing resolves the contradiction by providing a dedicated sealing interface that protects both the instrument and the fluid containment system
2Ease of operation
If elongated instruments are conveyed to target location using insertion devices, then minimally invasive sampling is enabled, but instrument control and protection are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is nested within the coupling structure, with the bushing providing a guided path for the elongated instrument. This nested arrangement allows complex control functions to be integrated into the existing insertion device architecture without adding external complexity, maintaining ease of operation while improving instrument control
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling and bushing assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing, guidance, support, and control for the elongated instrument. By making the coupling system multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing device complexity while achieving reliable instrument control and protection
3Reliability
If sealing members are added to prevent fluid leakage, then fluid containment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second sealing members are merged into the bushing structure, which is itself integrated with the coupling. Rather than adding separate sealing components, the bushing combines multiple sealing functions into a single integrated element, improving fluid containment while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for preventing buckling of an elongated instrument as it is advanced through a channel. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes an anti-buckling device including at least one movable support bracket. The bracket includes a generally planar member having an inner orifice and an outer edge configured to movably engage an inner surface of a channel. The planar member is configured to provide lateral support to an elongated instrument chosen from one of a needle and a probe responsive to the elongated instrument being motivated through the channel by an actuator. The at least one bracket also includes a positioning member that extends from the planar member. The positioning member is configured to prevent the planar member from twisting within the channel. The positioning member is configured to move relative to a distal end of the actuator so as not to impede movement of the actuator.