Real-Time Sampling Insertion Sealing and Anti-Buckling Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for collecting samples from within a body, such as biopsies, often require invasive procedures and lack effective sealing mechanisms for elongated instruments, risking damage and fluid leakage.
Innovation Solution
A control system for elongated instruments includes a coupling with bushings and sealing members to secure and seal the instruments within an insertion device, along with actuators and release mechanisms to facilitate precise sampling, while anti-buckling devices provide lateral support and orientation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elongated instruments are inserted through the insertion device to collect samples, then minimally invasive sampling is enabled, but fluid leakage and instrument damage risk increase due to lack of effective sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into multiple independent sealing members (first sealing member on the bushing, second sealing member on the elongated instrument) that work together to provide comprehensive sealing. This segmentation allows each sealing member to address specific sealing needs at different locations, effectively preventing fluid leakage while maintaining instrument functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing acts as an intermediary component between the insertion device and the elongated instrument. It provides a sealing interface through the first sealing member that prevents fluid from passing between the inner surface of the opening and the outer surface of the bushing, while also supporting the second sealing member that seals around the elongated instrument itself.
2Productivity
If elongated instruments are conveyed through the insertion device, then tissue sampling capability is improved, but instrument stability deteriorates due to lack of lateral support
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing serves as a stabilizing intermediary structure that provides lateral support to the elongated instrument as it passes through the insertion device. This intermediate support structure prevents instrument buckling and maintains stability during the sampling procedure.
3Reliability
If sealing members are added to prevent fluid leakage, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each sealing member is positioned at the specific location where sealing is needed - the first sealing member on the bushing seals the interface between the bushing and the opening, while the second sealing member on the elongated instrument seals around the instrument itself. This localized approach provides effective sealing without requiring a complex system-wide sealing mechanism.
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.