Threaded Smoke Flow Regulator for Stable Pneumoperitoneum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current smoke evacuation systems in minimally invasive surgical procedures lack sufficient flow control and consistency, leading to inconsistent smoke removal and potential collapse of the pneumoperitoneum due to excessive negative pressure, and are difficult to adjust in dim lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
A smoke suction flow regulator with a two-piece assembly featuring a threaded knob and base, allowing for variable and gradual flow control through specific thread pitch and size, with external ridges and an indicator for setting adjustment, and a retention feature to lock the knob in place, optionally incorporating a filter for enhanced filtration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple on/off valve is used for smoke evacuation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the flow control precision and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the simple on/off valve with a threaded regulator mechanism that allows continuous adjustment of the flow rate. The threaded knob enables dynamic control of the smoke evacuation flow, transforming a static binary state (on/off) into a continuous variable control system, thereby improving flow control precision without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by introducing a threaded regulator that allows adjustment of the flow rate parameter. The threaded knob changes the opening size parameter continuously, enabling precise control over the smoke evacuation flow rate. This parameter adjustment mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing fine-tuned control while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
2Productivity
If high negative pressure is applied for smoke evacuation, then smoke removal effectiveness is improved, but the pneumoperitoneum stability deteriorates due to excessive negative pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback principle through the threaded regulator mechanism that allows real-time adjustment of negative pressure levels. The regulator enables the operator to modulate the suction force based on the actual conditions in the surgical field, preventing excessive negative pressure that would compromise pneumoperitoneum stability while maintaining adequate smoke removal effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamics by introducing a variable flow control mechanism that allows the negative pressure to be dynamically adjusted during the procedure. The threaded regulator transforms the fixed high negative pressure into a dynamically controllable parameter, enabling the operator to optimize smoke evacuation while preserving pneumoperitoneum stability through real-time flow modulation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flow regulator is made adjustable with multiple settings, then the flow control versatility is improved, but the ease of operation in dim lighting conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the color changes principle by incorporating visual indicators (such as colored rings or markings) on the threaded regulator that change or become visible under different lighting conditions. These visual cues allow the operator to identify the flow rate setting and adjust the regulator accurately even in dim lighting environments, thereby maintaining ease of operation while preserving flow control versatility.
4Manufacturing precision
If a threaded knob mechanism is used for flow control, then the manufacturing precision and flow consistency are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the flow control function into separate modular components: the threaded knob, the regulator body, and the flow path. This segmentation allows for precise manufacturing of each component with controlled tolerances, ensuring flow consistency. The modular design also simplifies assembly and maintenance, offsetting the increase in device complexity by making the system more manageable and easier to manufacture with precision.
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 consistent and confident adjustment of smoke evacuation flow, maintaining pneumoperitoneum stability and improving surgical visualization by allowing precise control of negative pressure, even in low-light conditions, with the option for embedded filtration.
Implementation Method 1
A smoke suction flow regulator with a two-piece assembly featuring a threaded knob and base, allowing for variable and gradual flow control through specific thread pitch and size
Implementation Method 2
a retention feature to lock the knob in place
Implementation Method 3
optionally incorporating a filter for enhanced filtration
Data Source
AI summary
A smoke evacuation flow regulator for use with a suction source to rapidly remove excess smoke during an endoscopic surgical procedure is described. The smoke evacuation regulator may include a body having a gas pathway and a knob assembly threadably attached to the body that is sized to completely open or completely close the gas pathway in a single revolution of the knob assembly. The head of the knob assembly may be sized and shaped to permit tactile determination of the rotational position of the knob assembly in low vision situations. The body of the smoke evacuation flow regulator may include a knob assembly retaining arm that cooperates with a disk or extension on the knob assembly to allow rotational freedom of the knob assembly, but prevent inadvertent removal of the knob assembly from the body during use.