Trocar Silencer Elastic Buffering for Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Laparoscopic trocars produce noise due to impact between sealing components when surgical instruments of varying diameters are inserted or removed, causing interference during surgery.

Innovation Solution

A trocar design incorporating an elastic silencer with elastic deformation capabilities, installed between the radial sealing assembly and the upper and lower covers, reduces the gap between these components, minimizing impact sounds by acting as a buffer during instrument insertion and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a small diameter instrument through hole (smaller than 4mm) is used in the radial sealing ring to accommodate 5mm surgical instruments, then the sealing performance is improved, but when larger diameter instruments (10mm or 12mm) are inserted, the radial sealing ring generates large surrounding force causing impact sounds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidimpact sound
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a silencer component made of elastic material positioned between the radial sealing ring and the end cover. This silencer acts as a pre-positioned cushion that absorbs the impact force when the radial sealing ring contracts against large-diameter instruments, preventing the harmful impact sound from occurring in the first place

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The silencer serves as an intermediary element between the radial sealing ring and the end cover. It mediates the interaction by providing a compliant interface that allows the sealing ring to maintain its sealing function while absorbing the mechanical impact, thus protecting the system from harmful vibrations and sounds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the radial sealing ring is designed to accommodate both 5mm and 10mm/12mm surgical instruments, then the adaptability is improved, but the upper pressing plate hits against the upper cover or the lower pressing plate hits against the lower cover producing noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstrument compatibilityVSAvoidimpact sound
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The silencer is pre-installed in the space between the radial sealing ring assembly and the end cover, providing cushioning before the pressing plates can make harmful contact. This elastic component absorbs the impact energy during instrument insertion and removal, preventing the knocking sounds that would otherwise occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The silencer changes the mechanical parameters of the sealing assembly by introducing an elastic element that modifies the force transmission characteristics. Instead of rigid contact between pressing plates and covers, the system now has a compliant interface that absorbs impact forces, changing the overall mechanical response of the assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 silencer effectively eliminates noise by maintaining a small gap between the sealing assembly components, ensuring silent operation of the trocar during surgical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

the silencer 13 is an elastic body capable of having elastic deformation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3216405B1Puncture device having a silencer
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 GUANGZHOU T K MEDICAL INSTR
  • EP3216405B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3216405B1 patent drawingFigure 1-1~1-2
  • EP3216405B1 patent drawingFigure 1-3~1-6

AI summary

Disclosed is a trocar comprising a silencer. An end sealing assembly of a sheath of the trocar of the present application comprises an upper cover, a radial sealing assembly, a silencer and a lower cover; the silencer being an elastic body having one end installed on the radial sealing assembly and the other end installed on the lower cover; and the radial sealing assembly installed between the upper cover and the lower cover. Since the silencer holds up the radial sealing assembly, a gap between the upper cover and the radial sealing assembly is reduced, thereby avoiding an impact sound produced when a surgical instrument is withdrawn outwards. When the surgical instrument is advanced inwards, the impact sound produced when the surgical instrument is advanced inwards is avoided due to a buffer effect of the silencer.