Seal Guard Funnel Design for Surgical Cannula
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical access devices face challenges in protecting seals within cannulas from damage by surgical instruments, requiring a solution that balances high strength with low thickness and effective protection against instrument penetration.
Innovation Solution
A seal guard formed from a flat sheet of material folded into a funnel-like shape with a star-like aperture and segmented design, positioned proximally to the seal within the cannula, directs surgical instruments towards the seal's aperture, preventing damage and maintaining a thin, high-strength structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a seal guard is made thicker to increase strength and protect the seal, then the protection capability improves, but the thickness increases which is undesirable for minimally invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The seal guard is divided into multiple segments (typically 5-6 segments) that are formed by folding a flat sheet of material. Each segment can independently deflect and absorb impact forces, providing enhanced protection without requiring increased thickness. The segmented structure allows the guard to flex and adapt to instrument insertion while maintaining protective capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal guard transitions from a flat two-dimensional sheet to a three-dimensional funnel-like structure through folding. This dimensional transformation creates a conical shape with increased surface area and structural rigidity while maintaining thin thickness. The folded structure provides strength through geometric configuration rather than material thickness.
2Reliability
If the seal guard is made more robust to prevent instrument penetration, then the seal protection improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal guard comprises multiple segments (5-6 segments) formed by folding a flat sheet, creating a funnel-like structure. Each segment is defined by fold lines that allow controlled deflection. This segmented design provides reliable seal protection through distributed structural support while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a single-folded-component construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal guard is constructed from a thin, flexible sheet material that is folded into a funnel shape. This flexible structure can deflect and adapt to instrument insertion forces while maintaining its protective function. The thin-film construction achieves reliability through geometric configuration and material flexibility rather than thick rigid structures.
3Reliability
If the seal guard aperture is made smaller to better guide instruments, then the seal protection improves, but the ease of instrument insertion worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The seal guard is formed into a funnel-like conical shape with a curved aperture rather than a straight cylindrical opening. This curved, tapered structure naturally guides instruments toward the center of the aperture while the gradual curvature reduces resistance to insertion. The funnel shape provides directional guidance without creating sharp edges or abrupt transitions that would impede instrument passage.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical access device including a cannula, a seal, and a seal guard is disclosed. The cannula includes a housing and an elongated portion extending distally from the housing. The seal is disposed at least partially within the housing of the cannula and includes an aperture for sealed reception of a surgical instrument therethrough. The seal guard is disposed at least partially within the housing of the cannula and proximally of the seal. The seal guard is formed from a flat sheet of material and folded into a funnel-like shape.