Surgical Simulator with Adjustable Bow Frame for Variable Working Fields

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical simulation devices are monofunctional and limited in size, failing to cover the entire training spectrum for surgeons, restricting the training exercises due to their fixed working area and size.

Innovation Solution

A surgical simulation device with a support surface and laterally positioned holding elements that allow for variable adjustment of a working field through coaxially movable brackets, enabling the creation of different-sized operating areas by rotating brackets over bearing pins, and accommodating various surgical procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If surgical simulation devices use fixed holding elements with bearing pins, then the device structure is simple and stable, but the working field size is fixed and cannot be adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of working field sizeVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the bracket movable relative to the holding element. The bracket can rotate around the bearing pin to change the size of the working field dynamically, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different training requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device is segmented into independent functional components: holding elements fixed to the support surface, movable brackets with fixation elements, and organ/tissue specimens. This segmentation allows the bracket to be moved independently to adjust the working field size without affecting the stability of the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If surgical simulation devices are designed as monofunctional units, then the device structure is simple, but the training spectrum coverage is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining spectrum coverageVSAvoiddevice functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing a multi-functional device that can perform various surgical training exercises. The movable bracket system allows the same device to accommodate different organ/tissue specimens and simulate different surgical procedures, making one device serve multiple training purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic adjustment capability of the bracket system enables the device to adapt to different training scenarios. By changing the bracket position and configuration, the device can switch between different training modes and specimen types, achieving multi-functionality through dynamic reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the working field size is fixed in surgical simulation devices, then the device is easy to operate, but training exercises are restricted in variety

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariety of training exercisesVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is designed to rotate around the bearing pin with minimal effort, allowing users to dynamically adjust the working field size during training exercises. This dynamic adjustment mechanism maintains ease of operation while enabling variety in training scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device allows users to self-adjust the working field size according to their training needs. The movable bracket system is designed to be easily repositioned by the user without requiring complex tools or procedures, enabling self-service adjustment for different training exercises.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3510587B1Surgical simulator
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 UNIV DUISBURG ESSEN
  • EP3510587B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3510587B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3510587B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A surgical simulator having at least two holding elements (19) on a support surface (17), wherein a bore (5) for receiving a bearing pin (6) is present laterally on the holding elements (19) at at least one location, and at least one bow (7) is arranged coaxially with respect to the bearing pin (6) which extends on a circular or rectangular line about the support surface (17), wherein, by a coaxial movement of the bow (7) about the circular or rectangular line, a work field (8) of variable size can be adjusted, and, by the movement of the bow (7) as frame element on the holding elements (19), the support surface (17) can be spanned in an arc shape, and the use of such a surgical simulator for medical and veterinary training purposes.