Surgical Instrument Flush Port Layout to Minimize Shaft Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cleaning methods for surgical instruments result in inefficient cleaning due to the majority of the cleaning solution being discharged from the cartridge to the outside, with a significant portion flowing into the shaft, necessitating additional steps to return the solution to the cartridge, thereby prolonging the cleaning process.
Innovation Solution
The surgical instrument design includes a flush port positioned such that the cleaning solution flow direction crosses the shaft's center axis, with the port situated closer to the shaft than the aperture, minimizing the flow into the shaft and optimizing the cleaning solution's path to exit through apertures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cleaning solution is supplied through the flush port into the cartridge, then the inside of the cartridge is cleaned, but the cleaning solution flows into the shaft and must be returned to the cartridge, prolonging the cleaning time
Solution Approach 1:
The flush port is positioned asymmetrically relative to the shaft center axis, specifically at a position where the center axis of the shaft can be interposed between the flush port and the aperture. This asymmetric positioning creates an optimized flow path that directs cleaning solution from the flush port through the cartridge to the aperture for discharge, while minimizing the flow of cleaning solution into the shaft. The asymmetric arrangement eliminates the need to return cleaning solution to the cartridge, thereby reducing cleaning time and improving efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If the flush port is positioned closer to the shaft, then the cleaning solution flow direction crosses the shaft's center axis, but this may increase flow into the shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The flush port is positioned at a specific location where the center axis of the shaft can be interposed between the flush port and the aperture. This localized positioning creates a specific flow dynamic where the cleaning solution flow direction crosses the shaft's center axis. The local quality of this positioning ensures that the flow path is optimized to cross the center axis rather than flow directly into the shaft, achieving effective cleaning of the cartridge while minimizing solution entry into the shaft.
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 configuration reduces the need for redirecting cleaning solution back into the cartridge, thereby enhancing cleaning efficiency by minimizing the time required and preventing inefficiencies in the cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
a flush port 16 that is a through hole for a cleaning solution to enter from the outside... at least one aperture 27 through which the cleaning solution flows to the outside
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a housing including an inner space, and a shaft formed into a cylindrical shape extending from the housing and communicating with the inner space. The housing includes a flush port that is a through hole for a cleaning solution to enter from outside, and at least one aperture from which the cleaning solution flows to the outside. The flush port is situated at a position that allows a center axis of the shaft to be interposed between the flush port and the at least one aperture.