Surgical Instrument Push-Through Connection Cleaning Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical instruments with a cross-branch design connected via a push-through connection face challenges in cleaning and sterilization due to the formation of pockets that prevent the flow of cleaning agents, posing a health risk for patients and users.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument design where the push-through connection features a widened through opening with exposed outer edges in all positions, forming internal and external contact surfaces that allow for a channel through which cleaning agents can flow, preventing pocket formation and enhancing cleanability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the through-opening is designed with a length that just accommodates the closing section of the male branch when the instrument is fully closed, then the stability of the connection is improved, but the flow permeability for cleaning agents deteriorates due to pocket formation
Solution Approach 1:
The through-opening is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first region with a smaller cross-section for stable connection and a second region with a larger cross-section for cleaning access. This segmentation allows the opening to simultaneously provide connection stability and prevent pocket formation by ensuring fluid can flow through the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the through-opening have different cross-sectional qualities. The first region has a smaller cross-section optimized for connection stability, while the second region has a larger cross-section optimized for cleaning agent flow. This local quality variation resolves the contradiction between stability and cleanability.
2Strength
If the outer surface of the male branch rests against the outer surface of the female branch when fully closed, then the structural integrity is improved, but the flow permeability deteriorates as longitudinal edges conceal the opening and form pockets
Solution Approach 1:
The through-opening is divided into two regions: a first region where the male branch contacts the female branch for structural integrity, and a second region with larger cross-section that remains accessible for cleaning. This segmentation maintains strength while preventing pocket formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a uniform one-dimensional opening to a two-dimensional varying cross-section opening. By changing the cross-sectional area along the length of the opening, the design maintains contact for strength while creating flow paths for cleaning agents in the expanded region.
3Ease of manufacture
If the through-opening is widened to improve cleaning flow, then the flow permeability is improved, but the connection stability deteriorates due to excessive clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The through-opening is segmented into a first region with smaller cross-section for stable connection and a second region with larger cross-section for cleaning access. This segmentation ensures that widening the opening for cleaning does not compromise connection stability in the first region.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the opening have different cross-sectional qualities tailored to their specific functions. The first region maintains a tighter fit for stability, while the second region is widened for cleaning flow, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a branch-crossed surgical instrument (1) having a female branch (2) and a male branch (4), each having a terminal portion (6, 8) over the longitudinal extension thereof and the terminal portion (6) of the female branch (2) is passed through by a passage opening (10), which has a distal and a proximal longitudinal end surface (12a, b), each having two outer edges (14a - d) and is adjusted to receive the terminal portion (8) of the male branch (4), such that the two terminal portions (6, 8) form a plug-through closure in an assembly position of the instrument (1), characterized in that the passage opening (10) has a length, wherein the outer edges (14a - d) of the longitudinal end surfaces (12a, b) are exposed in all relative positions of the two branches (2, 4), in particular in a completely closed position and/or in a completely opened position of the instrument (1), and not covered by the male branch (4).