Trocar Housing Stop-Cock Mechanical Interfitting Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trocar assemblies require complex and maintenance-intensive processes for attaching stop-cock valves and trocar cannulas to trocar housings, involving UV cured adhesives and ultrasonic welding, which are cumbersome and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical interfitting system for trocar cannula, trocar housing, and stop-cock valve assembly that secures components without adhesives or curing techniques, utilizing a rotary latch mechanism and interlocking features for secure attachment and easy disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If UV cured adhesive is used to attach stop-cock valve and trocar cannula to trocar housing, then the components are securely attached, but the assembly process becomes complex and maintenance-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (UV cured adhesive) with a mechanical interlocking system. The trocar cannula features a tapered distal end that fits into a corresponding tapered receptacle in the trocar housing, creating a friction-fit mechanical connection. The stop-cock valve is similarly attached through mechanical means rather than adhesive, eliminating the need for UV curing equipment and adhesive application steps while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the adhesive application step entirely from the assembly process. By designing dedicated receptacles in the trocar housing that mechanically interface with the trocar cannula and stop-cock valve, the invention removes the need for UV cured adhesive, dispensing equipment, and curing systems, thereby simplifying both assembly and maintenance.
2Reliability
If UV cured adhesive and ultrasonic welding are used for component attachment, then reliable connection is achieved, but maintenance and operation of equipment becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces both UV cured adhesive application and ultrasonic welding equipment with simple mechanical insertion and interlocking features. The tapered friction-fit connection requires no specialized equipment for assembly or disassembly, making the system maintenance-free and easy to operate compared to equipment requiring adhesive dispensing, UV curing, or ultrasonic welding operations.
3Device complexity
If mechanical interfitting system is used for component assembly, then assembly process is simplified and maintenance needs are reduced, but attachment strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs tapered (conical) surfaces for the mechanical interfitting connection between the trocar cannula and trocar housing. The tapered geometry creates increasing contact pressure and friction as the components are inserted, providing a secure mechanical lock that maintains attachment strength while allowing for simple insertion and removal without adhesives or welding equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A trocar sleeve includes a trocar cannula and a trocar housing having a housing member base and a housing member cover. The trocar cannula and trocar housing are mechanically interfitted to form a trocar sleeve, wherein at least a portion of the trocar cannula sits within the housing member base with the housing member cover sitting over the trocar cannula for securing the at least a portion of the trocar cannula within the housing member base. The trocar sleeve also includes a stop-cock valve mechanically interfitted between the trocar cannula and the trocar housing.