Trocar Tip Protector Packaging with Segmented Shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trocar assembly packaging devices obscure the tip style of trocar obturators, making it difficult to visually identify the type before use, and often require a two-piece assembly, which is inconvenient for surgeons as it increases the risk of components being misplaced or lost during unpacking.
Innovation Solution
A packaging device with a unitary housing member featuring compliant first and second sleeves that selectively retain the trocar sleeve and obturator, respectively, with shield members at the ends to protect the tips while allowing visibility and preventing the components from being misplaced, using a mold design that can accommodate various diameters by adjusting core pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a cap completely encapsulates the sharp tip of the trocar obturator, then the tip is protected, but the tip style cannot be visually identified
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is segmented into two functional zones: an opaque portion that protects the tip and a transparent window portion that allows visual identification of the tip style. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by dividing the cap's function into protection (opaque part) and information display (transparent part).
Solution Approach 2:
The cap has non-uniform optical properties: the majority is opaque for protection, but a specific local region (the window) is transparent to allow tip style identification. This local quality change enables both protection and visibility simultaneously.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a two-piece device assembly is packaged separately, then component protection is improved, but the risk of components being misplaced or lost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trocar sleeve and obturator are merged into a single packaged assembly within one housing, rather than being packaged separately. This merging ensures they remain associated and prevents misplacement or loss, while still providing protection for both components.
Solution Approach 2:
The obturator is nested within the trocar sleeve during packaging, with both components contained within a single housing. This nesting arrangement maintains their spatial relationship and ensures they are dispensed together as a complete assembly.
3Strength
If the sterile barrier material is made stronger to prevent puncture, then protection is improved, but the material may be excessively rigid and difficult to penetrate
Solution Approach 1:
The cap acts as an intermediary protective layer between the sharp tip and the sterile barrier packaging. It provides the necessary protection to prevent accidental punctures during handling and storage, while the controlled opening mechanism allows intentional penetration when needed for sterilization or use.
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 solution provides clear visibility of the trocar tips for identification and maintains the components in a matched, secure position, reducing the risk of misplacement and enhancing handling and sterilization, while accommodating a range of trocar diameters with a single device.
Implementation Method 1
a compliant first sleeve adapted for selective frictional retention of a trocar assembly component relative to the housing member and a compliant second sleeve adapted for selective frictional retention of a trocar assembly component relative to the housing member
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging device for a trocar assembly includes a housing member having a compliant first sleeve adapted for selective frictional retention of a trocar assembly component relative to the housing member and a compliant second sleeve adapted for selective frictional retention of a trocar assembly component relative to the housing member. The first sleeve includes an inlet opening at a first end thereof and a closed second end defining a shield member positioned about a tip of a trocar assembly component positioned therein. The second sleeve includes an inlet opening at a first end thereof and a closed second end defining a shield member positioned about a tip of a trocar assembly component positioned therein.