Segmented Cannula Seal Assembly for Laparoscopic Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laparoscopic port systems require manual selection of seals for instruments of varying diameters, leading to increased resistance and friction during instrument insertion, and are complex and costly due to multiple elastomeric components.
Innovation Solution
A surgical access device with a seal assembly comprising a plurality of part circular sealing members attached to a common ring, which are movable from a radially outward to inward position, allowing for a single-component assembly that reduces friction and accommodates different instrument diameters with a tapered design and overlapping structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple simple lip seals of different diameters are used to accommodate instruments of varying sizes, then the device can seal around different instrument diameters, but the device complexity increases and manual seal selection is required
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly is divided into multiple part-circular sealing members (first, second, third sealing members) with different radial extents, allowing each segment to accommodate different instrument diameters. These segmented seals are arranged in a stacked relationship and can be selectively positioned using pivots, enabling the device to adapt to various instrument sizes without requiring a complete set of separate seals.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing members are made movable from a fixed position to a stacked relationship through pivots, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the seal assembly. This dynamic capability enables automatic adaptation to different instrument diameters by positioning the appropriate sealing member in the active sealing position, eliminating manual selection while maintaining versatility.
2Device complexity
If a single elastomeric cone seal is used to expand and accommodate different instrument diameters, then the device complexity is reduced, but the force required to insert large diameter instruments increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single elastomeric cone that must expand to accommodate all instrument sizes, the invention segments the sealing function into multiple part-circular sealing members with progressively larger radial extents. This segmentation allows the sealing capacity to be distributed across multiple components, reducing the expansion force required on any single component while maintaining the ability to accommodate various instrument diameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The part-circular sealing members are arranged in a nested or stacked relationship where smaller sealing members are positioned innermost and larger sealing members are positioned outermost. This nesting arrangement allows the sealing assembly to accommodate different instrument diameters by activating the appropriate sealed member, reducing the force required compared to a single expanding cone while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple elastomeric components are used to create a universal seal assembly, then the seal can accommodate different instrument diameters, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing members that would traditionally be separate elastomeric components are merged into a single integrated component. The first, second, and third sealing members are formed as one piece with reduced sections between them, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly of multiple elastomeric components. This merging approach maintains the universal sealing capability while significantly simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing assembly uses a composite structure where multiple part-circular sealing members with different radial extents are combined in a stacked relationship within a single component. This composite design allows the assembly to function as a universal seal for different instrument diameters while being manufactured as a single integrated piece, reducing manufacturing complexity compared to assembling multiple separate elastomeric components.
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 provides a cost-effective, simpler manufacturing process and reduced resistance during instrument insertion, maintaining an airtight seal for instruments of varying diameters without the need for manual seal selection.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing members being conforming to the outer diameter of the surgical instrument
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical access device comprises a seal assembly (51) having a plurality of part circular sealing members (55) each attached to a common ring (53) which is held within the device about its longitudinal axis. In use, the sealing members are located radially inwards of the ring in a stacked relationship. When not within the device, the sealing members are movable from a position radially outwards of the ring to a position radially inwards of the ring. A seal core comprises the seal assembly and a protective member which, in use, is located on the proximal side of the seal assembly. A method of assembling the surgical access device is also provided.