Vacuum Suction Graft Loading Device for Choi Implanter
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual loading of hair grafts into implantation instruments, particularly those of the Choï Implanter type, is a delicate, time-consuming, and labor-intensive process that can cause trauma to the grafts and requires skilled personnel, leading to increased intervention time and risk of accidental injuries.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for loading hair grafts into implantation instruments that utilize a fluid evacuation chamber connected to a vacuum source, allowing for easy and safe insertion of grafts into the instrument without the need for manual handling, reducing the number of instruments required and eliminating the risk of physical exchange between operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual loading of grafts into implantation needle is performed, then precision in positioning graft is achieved, but intervention time is extended and operator fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
A suction tube acts as an intermediary tool between the forceps and the implantation needle. The suction tube is inserted through the needle's longitudinal slit to grasp the graft, allowing the graft to be drawn into the needle without direct manual manipulation. This intermediary mechanism maintains precision while dramatically reducing the time and effort required for loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical manipulation of forceps to position and insert the graft is replaced by a suction-based system. By applying negative pressure through the suction tube, the graft is automatically drawn into the needle, substituting delicate manual dexterity with a simpler suction mechanism that reduces operator fatigue and time consumption.
2Device complexity
If narrow longitudinal slit in implantation needle is used, then compact instrument design is achieved, but graft may be damaged or cut by constriction
Solution Approach 1:
The suction tube serves as a protective intermediary that enters through the narrow longitudinal slit first, creating a safe passage. The graft is then drawn through this pre-established pathway, preventing direct contact with the constriction edges of the slit that would otherwise cause damage or cutting to the delicate graft tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction tube is inserted through the longitudinal slit before the graft is loaded. This preliminary action prepares a safe conduit through the narrow opening, ensuring that when the graft follows, it does so through a protected path that prevents constriction damage. The tube's presence beforehand eliminates the harmful effect of the narrow slit edges on the graft.
3Productivity
If multiple implantation instruments are used, then graft loading efficiency is improved, but risk of accidental injury to operators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction-based loading mechanism is a universal method that can be applied to a single implantation instrument throughout the entire graft loading process. This eliminates the need for multiple instruments to be exchanged, maintaining productivity while removing the safety risks associated with handling and exchanging multiple sharp instruments. The same instrument performs all loading operations safely.
4Measurement precision
If skilled personnel are required for manual graft loading, then precision in graft insertion is achieved, but labor costs and training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex manual dexterity required for precise graft insertion is replaced by a suction-based mechanical system. The suction tube automatically grasps and draws the graft into the needle through negative pressure, eliminating the need for highly skilled manual manipulation. This substitutes human expertise with a simpler mechanical principle that is easier to learn and execute, reducing training requirements while maintaining precision.
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
This solution significantly reduces handling time, eliminates graft trauma, and allows a single operator to perform the procedure safely, reducing labor costs and minimizing the risk of accidental punctures by enabling efficient and precise loading of grafts into the implantation instrument.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid evacuation chamber (21) in communication with a vacuum source (27) through a conduit (23)
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4A~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (14, 14') for loading hair grafts into a Choi implanter-type implantation instrument, including an element comprising: a first hole (18a) connected to a channel (17) that opens into a fluid-discharge chamber (21); a second hole (22) which can be connected to the fluid-discharge chamber (21) and define a path with the channel (17), such as to allow a needle (5) of an implantation instrument (1) to be introduced into the path through the second hole (22); and connection means (23) for connecting the fluid-discharge chamber (21) to a vacuum source (27). The first hole (18a) is connected to a first tube (20) used to deliver a graft (12), such that the graft (12) can be inserted into the needle (5) of the implantation instrument (1).