Optical Trocar Retention Member Segmentation for Instrument Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Minimally invasive surgical procedures face challenges in stabilizing surgical instruments within trocar assemblies, leading to undesirable rotational movement during procedures.

Innovation Solution

An obturator assembly with a retention member made of elastomeric material, featuring reduced-thickness sections around a central opening to facilitate insertion and thicker sections for stabilization, preventing rotational and axial motion of surgical instruments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a retention member with uniform thickness is used, then the structural strength is maintained, but the surgical instrument cannot be easily inserted and rotational movement cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion of surgical instrumentVSAvoidstructural strength of retention member

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The retention member is segmented into multiple sections with different thicknesses: a first section with greater thickness for structural strength and sealing, and a second section with lesser thickness for facilitating instrument insertion and preventing rotation. This segmentation allows different portions of the same component to fulfill different functional requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the retention member are given different thickness properties: the first section has greater thickness localized at specific positions to provide strength and sealing, while the second section has reduced thickness to allow instrument passage and prevent rotation. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between uniform strength and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the retention member is made thinner to facilitate instrument insertion, then ease of operation improves, but the ability to prevent rotational movement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion of surgical instrumentVSAvoidstability of surgical instrument position

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The retention member is divided into sections with different thicknesses: a first section with greater thickness that provides stability and prevents rotation, and a second section with lesser thickness that facilitates insertion. This segmentation allows the component to simultaneously provide both ease of insertion and instrument stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Specific regions of the retention member are thinned locally to facilitate instrument passage while other regions maintain greater thickness to prevent rotation. The localized thickness variation allows the same component to provide both insertion ease and positional stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If a rigid retention member is used, then structural strength is maintained, but the sealing capability during instrument insertion deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strength of retention memberVSAvoidsealing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retention member incorporates a flexible membrane structure that can deform during instrument insertion to maintain sealing. The membrane's flexibility allows it to conform to the inserting instrument while the overall structure maintains sufficient strength through its geometric design and material selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The retention member transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure during instrument insertion. The flexible membrane can deform and adapt its shape to maintain sealing contact with the instrument, then returns to its original configuration afterward, providing both strength and sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 obturator assembly effectively stabilizes surgical instruments, reducing unwanted movement and enhancing manipulation control during surgical procedures while maintaining a secure seal.

Implementation Method 1

The first sections are circumferentially disposed about the opening and have a second thickness that is less than the first thickness of the main body to facilitate flexing of the retention member during insertion of a surgical instrument into the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3539490B1Optical trocar assembly

Publication Date: 2020.12.23 COVIDIEN LP

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AI summary

An optical trocar assembly (10) includes an obturator assembly and a cannula assembly configured for receipt of the obturator assembly. The obturator assembly has a retention member (100) disposed within a cavity defined in an obturator housing (12) of the obturator assembly. The retention member (100) has a main body (101) defining an opening (102) dimensioned for receipt of a surgical instrument. The retention member has a plurality of first sections (112) formed in the main body and circumferentially disposed about the opening. The sections (112) have a reduced thickness relative to the main body to facilitate flexing of the retention member during insertion of a surgical instrument into the opening.