Surgical Device Moisture Control via Wick and Valve
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical devices face challenges in thorough cleaning and drying, particularly with powered instruments, where existing solutions do not effectively manage moisture control, leading to inefficiencies in sterilization and reuse processes.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device with a valve system and a wick mechanism, including a fibrous material, that allows for controlled fluid insertion, absorption, and desorption to facilitate cleaning and drying, utilizing a biasing element and a thermostat for temperature-dependent valve operation to ensure effective moisture management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical devices are designed with sealed components for sterility, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because thorough cleaning and drying become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into separate components including a valve body, valve member, and biasing element that can be independently accessed. The outer sleeve with port allows cleaning solution to reach internal components through the valve mechanism itself, dividing the cleaning path into accessible segments rather than requiring complete disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve port and outer sleeve act as intermediaries that allow cleaning fluid to penetrate into the internal sealed components. This intermediary access path enables cleaning solution to reach otherwise inaccessible areas without compromising the sealed design or requiring full disassembly of the surgical device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If surgical devices use complex valve mechanisms for fluid control, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases making cleaning more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is designed to be movable between closed and open positions, transforming a static complex structure into a dynamic simple mechanism. This dynamic element allows the valve to perform multiple functions (fluid control, cleaning access, drying) through a single moving component rather than requiring multiple separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly serves multiple functions: it controls fluid flow during surgery, allows cleaning solution insertion when opened, and enables internal drying through the same port. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by combining several functions into a single valve mechanism rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
3Productivity
If surgical devices are thoroughly cleaned with fluid insertion, then productivity is improved, but loss of time increases due to extended drying requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is prepared in advance to allow internal fluid circulation and is designed to facilitate complete drainage. The biasing element pre-positions the valve member to enable optimal fluid flow paths, and the outer sleeve configuration allows air to enter and replace fluid, initiating the drying process immediately after cleaning without requiring additional disassembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical device performs its own drying function through the same valve port used for cleaning. After fluid insertion and circulation, air is introduced through the valve mechanism which then allows internal components to dry naturally without external assistance. The device uses its own structure (valve, port, biasing element) to facilitate both cleaning and drying, eliminating the need for separate drying equipment or procedures.
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
The solution enables thorough cleaning and drying of surgical devices, enhancing their sterilization and reuse capabilities by ensuring effective moisture control and efficient fluid transfer, thereby improving the reliability and safety of surgical instruments.
Implementation Method 1
a wick made from a fibrous material and configured to transfer moisture from a first location to a second location
Implementation Method 2
a biasing element configured to urge the engagement portion of the valve radially outward and into the occluding position
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a biasing element and a thermostat for temperature-dependent valve operation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
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.