Surgical Device Moisture Control via Valve and Wick Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical devices face challenges in thorough cleaning and drying, particularly due to the complexity of their designs and the need for effective moisture control to facilitate reuse and sterilization.
Innovation Solution
The development of a surgical device with a valve system that includes a biasing element, such as a compression spring, to control fluid flow through ports, allowing for selective engagement and disengagement to enable cleaning and drying, combined with a wick system using fibrous materials to absorb and desorb moisture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If surgical devices are designed with complex structures to perform multiple functions, then device functionality and versatility are improved, but cleaning and drying thoroughness deteriorates due to difficult-to-reach areas
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical device is divided into separable components including a handle assembly, adapter assembly, end effector, and extension assembly. Each component can be independently removed and cleaned, allowing thorough cleaning of complex internal structures without disassembling the entire device. The valve system is also segmented into separate inlet and outlet valves that can be independently controlled.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system is extracted as a separate functional component that can be selectively activated during cleaning. The inlet valve allows cleaning fluid to enter the device while the outlet valve remains closed to direct fluid through internal passages. After cleaning, the outlet valve is opened to allow drying air to exit, effectively removing moisture from hard-to-reach areas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If surgical devices are designed for reuse with adapter assemblies, then device adaptability is improved, but moisture control and drying efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is pre-configured to automatically control fluid flow during cleaning and drying operations. The inlet valve is positioned to allow cleaning solution to enter the adapter assembly and end effector, while the outlet valve is positioned to facilitate drainage and subsequent drying. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for manual manipulation during cleaning procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the cleaning fluid source and the surgical device internal passages. It mediates the flow of cleaning solutions and drying air through the complex adapter and end effector structures, ensuring thorough cleaning and drying without requiring direct manual intervention in hard-to-reach areas.
3Ease of manufacture
If surgical devices include multiple ports and passages for fluid flow, then cleaning capability is improved, but fluid control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different valves are positioned at specific locations within the device to control fluid flow locally. The inlet valve is positioned to control entry of cleaning fluid into the device, while the outlet valve is positioned to control exit and drainage. This localized control allows precise management of fluid flow through multiple ports and passages without requiring complex global control mechanisms.
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
This solution allows for efficient cleaning and drying of surgical devices, ensuring they are thoroughly sanitized and ready for reuse, while the valve system prevents fluid ingress during use and facilitates drying post-use, enhancing their operational and hygiene standards.
Implementation Method 1
the valve includes a biasing element configured to urge the engagement portion of the valve radially outward and into the occluding position. In embodiments, the biasing element is a compression spring.
Implementation Method 2
a wick system using fibrous materials to absorb and desorb moisture
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device including a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an end effector, a drive shaft, and a wick is disclosed. The wick is disposed within an outer sleeve of the elongated portion and is made from a fibrous material. The wick is configured to transfer moisture from a first portion of the wick to a second portion of the wick.