Universal Fluid Flow Valve for Surgical Access Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical access devices for minimally invasive procedures require multiple valves for inflating/deflating expandable anchors and insufflating body cavities, increasing component count, assembly complexity, and costs.
Innovation Solution
A universal fluid flow valve that selectively directs fluid flow through different pathways within a surgical access device, reducing the number of components and assembly steps by integrating functions for inflation/deflation of the expandable anchor and insufflation of the working cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate valves are used for insufflating the abdominal cavity and for inflating/deflating the inflatable anchor, then each fluid flow pathway can be independently controlled, but the number of components and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single valve assembly that performs multiple functions: it controls both the insufflation of the abdominal cavity and the inflation/deflation of the inflatable anchor. The valve body includes multiple ports and internal passages that allow one valve mechanism to regulate fluid flow to different destinations, eliminating the need for separate valves for each function and thereby reducing component count while maintaining independent control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate valve functions into a single integrated valve assembly. The valve body combines multiple valve seats, springs, and diaphragms into one unified structure that can independently respond to control signals for both insufflation and anchor inflation/deflation, simplifying the overall device architecture and reducing assembly complexity
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate valves are used for different fluid flow pathways, then each function can be independently controlled, but the assembly time and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single valve assembly is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple fluid flow pathways. It includes a valve body with multiple ports (insufflation port, anchor inflation port, anchor deflation port) and internal passages that enable one valve mechanism to control all fluid flow functions, reducing material costs and assembly time compared to using multiple separate valves
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single manufactured component. The valve assembly is produced as an integrated unit with all necessary internal passages, seats, and control mechanisms, streamlining the manufacturing process and reducing both material costs and assembly time while maintaining the capability for independent control of each fluid pathway
3Ease of operation
If separate valves are used for each fluid flow pathway, then each function can be independently controlled, but the number of connections to the fluid source increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single valve assembly serves as a universal control point for all fluid flow pathways. It includes a single connection port for the fluid source that distributes fluid to multiple internal passages, eliminating the need for multiple separate connections to the fluid source while maintaining independent control capability through internal valve mechanisms
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
Simplifies the manufacturing and setup of surgical access devices, reduces costs, and saves time by using a single valve for multiple functions, enhancing user convenience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The valve is movable within the port between an inflation position in which a passageway defined through the valve is aligned with the inflation channel of the port and an insufflation position in which the passageway of the valve is aligned with the insufflation channel of the port
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical access device includes a cannula, an instrument housing coupled to the cannula, a port coupled to the instrument housing, and a valve disposed within the port. The cannula includes an elongated shaft defining an access lumen and an inflation lumen therethrough. The port includes an inflation channel and an insufflation channel defined therethrough. The inflation channel is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen of the cannula and the insufflation channel is in fluid communication with the access lumen of the cannula. The valve is movable within the port between an inflation position in which a passageway defined through the valve is aligned with the inflation channel of the port, and an insufflation position in which the passageway of the valve is aligned with the insufflation channel of the port.