Medical Specimen Retrieval Funnel for Smooth Bag Retraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical specimen retrieval devices face difficulties in retracting a medical specimen bag into the introducer tube due to high and inconsistent force profiles, potential damage from trapped air and deformation of the tube, and multiple attempts required for successful retraction, especially when the bag is inflated and full of air.

Innovation Solution

A medical specimen retrieval device featuring a funnel attached to the introducer tube that tapers from a smaller to a larger cross-section, with a retracting element that is retractable through the funnel via an actuator, facilitating the bag's retraction by guiding air escape and protecting the tube from damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the bag is pulled directly into the introduces tube, then the retraction process is simple, but high and inconsistent force profiles cause potential damage to the tube or bag

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretraction process simplicityVSAvoiddamage to tube or bag

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A funnel is introduced as an intermediary component between the bag and the introduces tube. The funnel has a narrow opening that fits into the introduces tube and a wider opening that receives the bag. This intermediary structure allows the bag to be gradually guided into the tube, reducing the sudden force impact and preventing damage to either component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple attempts are made to retract the bag, then the retraction can be achieved, but extra effort and time are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretraction successVSAvoidtime for multiple attempts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The funnel is pre-positioned in the introduces tube before the bag is inserted. This preliminary arrangement creates a ready-made pathway that guides the bag into the tube smoothly during the first retraction attempt, eliminating the need for multiple attempts and reducing the time required for the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the retracting element is retractable through the funnel, then the bag can be guided into the tube smoothly, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmooth retractionVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into distinct functional components: the introduces tube, the funnel, and the retracting element with actuator. Each component has a specific function, and the retracting element can be independently controlled through the funnel. This segmentation allows for smooth retraction while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20240032903A1Device for medical specimen retrieval

Publication Date: 2024.02.01 DOERR DANIEL

AI summary

A medical specimen retrieval device with an actuator connected to an introducer tube, a funnel removably attached to an end of the introducer tube, a retracting element extending from an interior of the funnel wherein the biasing retracting element is retractable through the funnel and into an interior of the introducer tube by an actuator, and a medical specimen bag removably coupled to the retracting element.