Surgical Pump Transmission Assembly for Independent Multi-Output Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical pump assemblies often require multiple simultaneous, consecutive, or alternating activations with different operating parameters such as flow rates and pressures, which existing technologies struggle to manage efficiently, especially when powered by a single surgical generator.
Innovation Solution
A motor-driven surgical pump assembly with a transmission assembly that provides multiple variable outputs, allowing each pump to operate independently with different rotational speeds and input-to-output ratios, controlled by a controller to optimize performance across various surgical instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single motor drives multiple pumps, then device complexity is reduced, but each pump cannot operate with different rotational speeds and parameters independently
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission assembly is segmented into multiple independent transmission paths, each connecting the single motor output to a different pump. Each transmission path includes its own transmission mechanism (e.g., gears, belts, or variable speed drives) that can be independently controlled to provide different rotational speeds and torque to each pump, enabling independent parameter control while using a single motor.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission assembly incorporates dynamic control mechanisms such as variable speed drives or electronically controlled transmission ratios that allow the rotational speed and output parameters to be dynamically adjusted for each pump independently. This enables the system to adapt pump operating parameters in real-time based on surgical requirements while maintaining a single motor architecture.
2Productivity
If multiple transmission outputs are provided with different ratios, then pump operating parameters can be optimized, but transmission assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit that provides multiple transmission outputs with different ratios through a single integrated structure. The transmission mechanism incorporates multiple gear sets, pulleys, or transmission paths within one assembly, allowing each pump to receive optimized transmission ratios without requiring separate transmission assemblies for each pump.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a controller independently varies transmission outputs, then surgical instrument performance is enhanced, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the operating parameters of each pump and the connected surgical instruments. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts the transmission outputs to maintain optimal performance. The feedback loop includes sensors that detect pump speed, flow rates, and pressure, allowing the controller to make real-time adjustments without requiring complex manual control systems.
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 efficient and flexible operation of multiple pumps with different parameters, enhancing the capability of surgical generators to power a variety of surgical instruments and procedures, improving the precision and effectiveness of surgical operations.
Implementation Method 1
a motor configured to provide a motor output
Implementation Method 2
a transmission assembly configured to receive the motor output and provide a plurality of transmission outputs
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A surgical pump assembly includes a motor configured to provide a motor output, a transmission assembly configured to receive the motor output and provide a plurality of transmission outputs, and a plurality of pumps. Each pump of the plurality of pumps is configured to receive one of the transmission outputs of the plurality of transmission outputs. A surgical generator includes at least one energy module configured to generate an energy-delivery signal, at least one energy port configured to connect to a surgical instrument to deliver the energy-delivery signal thereto, and the surgical pump assembly.