Thoracic Cavity Simulator with Modular Skeleton and Diaphragm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack a thoracic cavity simulator that accurately reproduces the human body type and texture, and simulates a surgical environment with sufficient constraints for thoracoscopic operation training and learning.
Innovation Solution
A thoracic cavity simulator comprising a human skeleton model with rib, breastbone, spine, and shoulder blade, featuring a diaphragm that can open and close, and internal organ models that mimic the shape, texture, and functionality of human organs, allowing for realistic simulation of thoracic cavity operations with detachable components and a gripping mechanism for easy organ exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thoracic cavity simulator is created to closely reproduce human body type and texture, then the realism of the surgical environment simulation is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The simulator is divided into distinct modular components: a skeleton model with individual ribs, a separate casing, detachable internal organ models, and a bottom cover. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately with appropriate materials and textures, then assembled to create the complete realistic simulation environment, thereby managing complexity while maintaining realism.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal organ models are designed to be stored within the rib structures of the skeleton model, which itself is housed within the casing. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization, maintains anatomical accuracy, and allows for easy assembly and disassembly of components without increasing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If internal organ models are made with softness close to actual texture, then the tactile realism is improved, but the manufacturing precision and material selection become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Different materials with appropriate softness and texture characteristics are selected for different internal organ models based on their specific anatomical properties. For example, lungs are made with softer, more compliant materials to reproduce their delicate texture, while other organs use materials matching their specific tactile characteristics. This localized material selection achieves high tactile realism without requiring uniform high-precision manufacturing across all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulator employs composite material construction, combining hard resin for the skeleton and casing with soft, flexible materials for the internal organ models. This composite approach allows each material to be optimized for its specific function - structural integrity for the skeleton and tactile realism for the organs - thereby achieving both manufacturing feasibility and high simulation fidelity.
3Ease of operation
If the diaphragm portion is made detachable for organ exchange, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural integrity and realism are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom cover representing the diaphragm is designed with a detachable structure that can be easily removed and reattached. This dynamic design allows the simulator to transition between a closed, anatomically accurate state for realistic simulation and an open state for internal organ exchange, thereby achieving both ease of operation and maintenance of structural integrity when properly assembled.
4Ease of operation
If an opening is disposed at the rib portion for instrument insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the anatomical accuracy and realism are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The opening at the rib portion is designed as a segmented structure where individual ribs can be moved or separated to create access pathways. This allows surgical instruments to be inserted through the intercostal spaces in an anatomically accurate manner while maintaining the overall integrity and appearance of the rib cage structure when closed.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a thoracic cavity simulator that, for the purpose of training or education in thoracic cavity microscopic surgery, faithfully reproduces the shape and feel of a human body and that can simulate a surgical environment for a human body that has multiple constraints. A device that comprises a model human skeleton that simulates at least ribs, and comprises a casing that houses the model human skeleton, the device being configured such that an opening is provided to a rib section of the casing, such that a diaphragm section can be opened and closed, and such that model organs can be housed inside the ribs of the model human skeleton. The diaphragm section is configured so as to be removable and/or openable and closable, and the model organs housed inside the ribs of the model human skeleton are replaced.