Surgical Access Attachment Flexible Tab Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical access device attachments are cumbersome and require complex procedures for engagement and disengagement, limiting single-handed operation and ease of use during surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A surgical access attachment featuring a ring and access portion assembly with flexible tabs and lips that allow for single-handed engagement and disengagement by applying upward or proximal force, facilitating quick and efficient insertion and removal of instruments or hands through a sealed interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing surgical access device attachments are used, then secure connection is achieved, but operation complexity increases and single-handed operation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle-handed operationVSAvoidengagement and disengagement procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device is segmented into distinct functional components: a ring structure with internal engagement elements, a separate access portion assembly with flexible tabs, and a seal assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall engagement and disengagement operations to single-handed maneuvers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The disengagement mechanism inverts the traditional approach by using a simple upward force on the flexible tab to release the connection, rather than requiring complex unscrewing or multi-step release procedures. The flexible tab's upward movement triggers the disengagement of internal engagement elements, enabling easy one-handed removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If complex engagement procedures are used, then secure connection is achieved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidengagement and disengagement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ring structure includes pre-positioned internal engagement elements (such as ribs or protrusions) that are ready to engage with corresponding features on the access portion assembly. The flexible tabs are pre-configured to snap into place during a single insertion motion, eliminating the need for multiple adjustment steps and reducing engagement time while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible tabs provide dynamic engagement characteristics, allowing the connection to be securely established through elastic deformation during insertion, then maintaining a firm hold during use. The same flexibility enables quick release when upward force is applied, reducing the time required for both engagement and disengagement while ensuring reliable connection during the surgical procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If traditional attachment mechanisms are used, then structural stability is achieved, but ease of removal decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidremoval ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible tab acts as a self-service release mechanism. When upward force is applied to the flexible tab during removal, it automatically triggers the disengagement of internal engagement elements through its elastic deformation, causing the attachment to release itself without requiring additional manual manipulation or tools. This maintains stable attachment during use while enabling easy removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables simple, one-handed engagement and disengagement of the surgical access attachment with the surgical access device, enhancing operational ease and flexibility during surgical procedures without the need for rotation or unscrewing.

Implementation Method 1

at least one flexible tab having an engagement structure. The engagement structure is configured to selectively engage the ring. The access portion assembly is configured to disengage from the ring in response to a predetermined amount of upwardly directed force exerted on the at least one flexible tab

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3020347B1Attachments for use with a surgical access device

Publication Date: 2020.02.19 COVIDIEN LP

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AI summary

A surgical access attachment (100) for use with a surgical access device is disclosed. The surgical access attachment (100) includes a ring (200) and an access portion assembly (110). The ring (200) is configured to engage a proximal portion of a surgical access device. The access portion assembly (110) includes at least one flexible tab (130) having an engagement structure (139). The engagement structure (139) is configured to selectively engage the ring (200). The access portion assembly (110) is configured to retain a seal (190). The access portion assembly (110) is configured to disengage from the ring (200) in response to a predetermined amount of force exerted on one flexible tab (130) of the at least one flexible tab.