Tri-Flow Filter Cartridge for Laparoscopic Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current filtration systems for laparoscopic surgery require multiple separate filter cartridges for three independent fluid sources, leading to complexity, space inefficiency, and increased maintenance efforts due to the need for distinct flow properties and conditioning requirements, with a risk of incorrect cartridge placement during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A tri-flow filter cartridge assembly with an elongated housing and three isolated flow paths, each equipped with a distinct filter element (radially pleated and disc filters) that can be securely locked into a controller, ensuring compactness, simplicity, and proper fluid conditioning for three independent fluid sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If three separate filter elements with three filter housings are used for three independent fluid streams, then each fluid path can be filtered independently with appropriate filter types, but the system becomes cumbersome and space-consuming in the operating room
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate filter housings into a single integrated filter cartridge assembly. The housing contains three distinct filter chambers, each housing a filter element for one of the three fluid streams (insufflation, suction, and irrigation). This merging reduces the number of separate components in the operating room while maintaining independent filtering capabilities for each fluid path.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated housing is segmented into three distinct filter chambers, each dedicated to a specific fluid stream. This segmentation allows each filter element to be independently selected and configured for its specific fluid path requirements while being contained within a single compact assembly, resolving the contradiction between integration and independent filtering.
2Adaptability or versatility
If three separate filter cartridges are used, then each can be optimized for specific flow properties, but maintenance efforts increase as each cartridge must be separately removed and replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three separately replaceable filter cartridges into a single integrated filter cartridge assembly. The locking mechanism secures the entire assembly as one unit, allowing all three filter elements to be replaced simultaneously through a single insertion/removal operation. This reduces maintenance time and effort compared to handling three separate cartridges, while still allowing optimization of each filter type for its specific fluid path.
3Ease of operation
If three separate filter housings are used, then filter placement can be flexible, but the risk of mixing up filter cartridges and improper placement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three filter elements into a single pre-configured assembly with a unified locking mechanism. This eliminates the risk of mixing up filters during maintenance, as the entire assembly is treated as one unit. The integrated design ensures proper placement through a single locking action, improving reliability while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter elements are pre-configured and pre-positioned within the integrated housing during manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement ensures that each filter element is correctly positioned for its designated fluid path before the assembly is installed, eliminating placement errors that could occur during maintenance operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If three separate filter elements are used, then each fluid path can be conditioned independently, but space requirements increase in the compact surgical environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three separate filter housings into a single compact integrated assembly that maintains independent filtering chambers for three fluid streams. This consolidation dramatically reduces the space required in the operating room compared to three separate housings, while preserving the ability to independently condition each fluid path through the distinct chambers and flow paths within the integrated structure.
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 tri-flow filter cartridge assembly simplifies maintenance, reduces space requirements, and ensures accurate fluid conditioning by isolating and securely managing three independent fluid paths within a single compact unit, enhancing operational efficiency in surgical environments.
Implementation Method 1
The first filter element is disposed within the interior cavity of the housing and conditions fluid that traverses the first flow path from a first inlet port to a first outlet port
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~5B
AI summary
Disclosed is multi-flow filter cartridge assembly that includes an elongated housing that has axially opposed proximal and distal ends and defines an interior cavity and first, second and third flow paths which extend from the proximal end of the housing to the distal end. The cartridge assembly also includes first, second and third filter elements. The first filter element is disposed within the interior cavity of the housing and conditions fluid that traverses the first flow path from a first inlet port to a first outlet port. The second filter element is disposed within the interior cavity of the housing and conditions fluid that traverses the second flow path from a second inlet port to a second outlet port. Lastly, the third filter element is also disposed within the interior cavity of the housing and conditions fluid that traverses the third flow path from a third inlet port to a third outlet port. The first flow path is isolated from the second and third flow paths and the second flow path is isolated from the third flow path.