Noise and vibration management for smoke evacuation system
Inventors
Frampton, Chad S. • Horner, Shawn K. • Greep, Darcy W. • Shelton, Frederick • Harris, Jason L. • Yates, David C. • Millis, Roger
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11725664-B2
Publication Date
2023-08-15
Expiration Date
Abstract
A system for noise and vibration management of a smoke evacuation system includes a pump that compresses air and produces a pressure differential within an airflow path. The pump may be a sealed, positive displacement pump. The system includes vibration absorption mechanisms disposed between inner and outer housings, as well as on the outside surface of the outer housing. Methods of controlling and regulating a motor of the system to preserve the lifespan of the motor and maintain consistent airflow rates throughout the smoke evacuation system include varying a supply of electrical current to the motor so that it can operate at variable performance levels. Orifices are opened and closed in order to relieve resistance pressures within the airflow path due to clogging and blockages.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a smoke evacuation assembly for an electrosurgical system, including a filter, a pump with a sealed positive displacement airflow path, and a motor engaging the pump. The pump is configured to create a pressure differential between a first pressure and a second pressure, with the pump configured to create a pressure ratio of the second pressure to the first pressure equal to or greater than 2 in at least one embodiment.
The assembly includes nested housings that encapsulate and surround the pump and the motor. A first housing at least partially surrounds the filter and encapsulates the pump and the motor such that the pump and motor are surrounded on all sides by walls of the first housing, and a second housing is encapsulated within the first housing, surrounded on all sides by walls of the first housing, and separate and distinct from the outer shells of the pump and the motor.
To reduce vibration, one or more vibration absorption mechanisms are disposed between the housings, where the second housing is mounted to an interior surface of the first housing with the vibration absorption mechanisms disposed therebetween. Flexible airflow structures are used between the filter and the pump and between the pump and an exhaust mechanism, and a flexible curved portion has a curved configuration in a natural state and is formed of a different material than a first portion so the flexible curved portion is more flexible and configured to flex in response to an outside force.
Claims Coverage
The coverage includes three independent claims covering a smoke evacuation assembly architecture with nested housings and vibration absorption, with additional claim-specific requirements for airflow flexibility and for pump pressure differential and pressure ratio.
Nested housings with interposed vibration absorption
A first housing at least partially surrounding the filter and encapsulating the pump and the motor, and a second housing encapsulated within the first housing, separate and distinct from the outer shells of the pump and the motor, with one or more vibration absorption mechanisms disposed between the housings.
Sealed positive displacement airflow path pump enclosed by housings
A pump comprising a sealed positive displacement airflow path and a motor engaging the pump, with the pump and motor surrounded on all sides by walls of the first housing and the second housing in the nested housing arrangement.
Flexible curved portions in dual airflow pathways
A first airflow pathway between the filter and the pump and a second airflow pathway between the pump and the exhaust mechanism, where each pathway includes a flexible curved portion with a curved configuration in a natural state and a different material than a first portion so the flexible curved portion is more flexible and configured to flex in response to an outside force.
Frequency-range vibration absorption feet on housing bottom
A plurality of vibration absorption mechanisms connected to a bottom surface of the first housing, including a foot having a first diameter at a first end and a second diameter at a second end, configured to absorb a first range of vibrational frequencies and a second range of vibrational frequencies.
Pressure differential and pressure ratio for first and second zones
A pump configured to draw a gas from a first zone to a second zone, creating a pressure differential and a pressure ratio of the second pressure to the first pressure equal to or greater than 2.
Across the independent claims, the inventive concept is a smoke evacuation assembly that isolates a pump and motor within nested housings using interposed vibration absorption mechanisms, while connecting airflow paths that include flexible curved portions between filter-to-pump and pump-to-exhaust. Additional claim coverage specifies a tapered vibration absorption foot at the housing bottom and defines pump operation via a pressure differential and a pressure ratio constraint between first and second zones.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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