Reusable Ultrasonic Scalpel Quick-Connect Sheath Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic scalpels have a non-detachable handle housing and waveguide assembly, making them disposable and costly, with risks of cross-infection due to incomplete cleaning and disinfection.
Innovation Solution
A reusable ultrasonic scalpel design featuring a detachable sheath assembly connected via a quick-connect mechanism, allowing for easy disassembly, cleaning, and sterilization, while the sheath assemblies can be rapidly replaced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the handle housing and waveguide assembly are designed as a non-detachable structure, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the device cannot be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly, requiring disposable use which increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into detachable components: the waveguide assembly can be separated from the handle housing, and the sheath assembly can be removed from the waveguide. This segmentation allows each component to be independently cleaned and disinfected, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and cleaning feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath assembly is designed as a disposable component that can be easily discarded after use, while the waveguide assembly and handle housing are recovered for repeated use after cleaning and disinfection. This approach maintains reliability of the main structure while enabling thorough cleaning of all components.
2Ease of operation
If the waveguide assembly is designed with open sheath ends at the surgical site, then tissue clamping and cutting function is achieved, but liquid tissue penetrates into the gaps between sheath components, causing clotting fat samples and blood clotting that cannot be thoroughly cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath assembly is segmented into inner and outer sheaths that can be detached from each other and from the waveguide. This segmentation allows complete disassembly for cleaning, enabling removal of tissue residues from all gaps and surfaces, thus resolving the contamination problem while maintaining the clamping function during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath assembly is extracted as a separate, removable component from the waveguide assembly. This extraction allows the sheath to be completely removed for thorough cleaning and disinfection, eliminating the harmful effect of trapped tissue residues while preserving the functional benefits during surgery.
3Reliability
If replaceable assembly components are designed with metal parts and tube expanding processes, then the components can be reused, but the manufacturing cost increases and processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The material parameters of the sheath assembly are changed from metal to polymer materials, eliminating the need for tube expanding processes and rotating grooves. This parameter change reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reusability through proper material selection and design.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical tube expanding process and rotating groove mechanisms are replaced with simpler polymer molding techniques. This substitution reduces manufacturing steps, lowers costs, and improves processing efficiency while still achieving the required reusability and functional performance.
4Reliability
If the inner sheath and outer sheath are designed with complex connection structures, then the components can be securely assembled, but the assembly process becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into simple, modular interfaces between the inner sheath, outer sheath, and waveguide. This segmentation allows for quick assembly and disassembly while maintaining stability during operation, resolving the contradiction between assembly stability and operational convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing easy assembly and disassembly during different phases of use. The quick-connect mechanism provides stable connection during surgery but enables rapid detachment for cleaning and replacement, balancing stability with operational convenience.
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 design enables reliable installation, easy disassembly, thorough cleaning, and reduced costs, minimizing the risk of cross-infection and extending the lifespan of the instrument.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasonic scalpel refers to a surgical device that amplifies the ultrasonic vibration obtained by the piezoelectric transducer (Ultrasonic generator transfers electric energy to the piezoelectric transducer, and the transducer converts the electric energy to ultrasonic mechanical energy)
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasonic waveguide (4) extended at its distal end for transmitting the ultrasonic mechanical energy
Implementation Method 3
The inner sheath assembly comprises an inner sheath (3) and an inner sheath holder (7) fixed at its proximal end. The inner sheath (3) is located between the ultrasonic waveguide (4) and the outer sheath (2), and may move a certain distance along the axis, thus to open or close the active clamp (20)
Implementation Method 4
the sheath assembly (1) is detachably connected to the handle assembly by a quick-connect mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A reusable ultrasonic scalpel comprising a handle assembly and an ultrasonic waveguide extended to the distal end transmitting ultrasonic mechanical energy. Outside the ultrasonic waveguide is a sheath assembly, and the sheath assembly is detachably connected to the handle assembly by a quick connecting mechanism. The beneficial effects are mainly reflected on: reliable installation, easy to disassemble, easy to clean and disinfect. The sheath assembly serving as a consumable may be quickly replaced, while the remaining parts may be reused, and may undergo cleaning and high temperature steam sterilization. Thus, the cost of surgical consumables is greatly reduced, the burden on patients is reduced, and the risk of cross-infection when using the ultrasonic scalpel bar is also reduced.