Apparatus and method for reducing parasitic losses of electrical system of surgical instrument

Abstract

A surgical instrument includes a motor, a regulator, a converter circuit, and a control circuit coupled to the regulator and the converter circuit. The control circuit is configured to couple either the regulator or the converter circuit based on a predetermined load voltage or current applied to the motor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments and, in various arrangements, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments configured to staple and cut tissue and staple cartridges for use therewith. Summary of the invention

[0002] The present disclosure provides a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes: a motor, a low dropout (LDO) regulator, at least two converter circuits, and a control circuit coupled to the LDO regulator and the at least two converter circuits. The control circuit selects a power source applied to the motor from a battery, the LDO regulator, or at least one of the at least two converter circuits based on a load applied to the motor.

[0003] The present disclosure provides a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes: a power supply and a control circuit, wherein the control circuit includes a plurality of electrical components. The control circuit is coupled to the power supply. The control circuit is used to determine unused electrical components among the plurality of electrical components and cut off the connection between the unused electrical components and the power supply.

[0004] The present disclosure provides a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes: a power source, an accumulator, and a control circuit coupled to the power source and the accumulator. The control circuit charges the accumulator, determines that a parameter is below a threshold, and releases power from the accumulator to increase power output. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] In the description, for purposes of explanation rather than limitation, specific details are set forth, such as particular aspects, processes, techniques, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of the present technology. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present technology can be practiced in other aspects without departing from these specific details.

[0006] The accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals in the individual views refer to identical or functionally similar elements, together with the following detailed description, are incorporated into and form a part of this specification and serve to further illustrate aspects of the concepts of the present disclosure as claimed and to explain various principles and advantages of those aspects.

[0007] Where appropriate, the methods, apparatus, and systems disclosed herein have been represented by conventional symbols in the drawings, and only those specific details relevant to understanding the various aspects of the disclosure are shown so as not to obscure the disclosure and which will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0008] Figure 1 An exploded view of an end effector and shaft portion of a surgical stapling system according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating components of a staple cartridge according to the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating various components of a surgical stapling system according to the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 4 is a circuit according to the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a circuit according to the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 6 An example of a DC / DC converter type buck-boost converter circuit according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 7 An exemplary DC / DC converter type buck-boost converter circuit (such as Figure 6 1 and 2. An exemplary operating mode of an unloaded buck-boost converter circuit) is shown in FIG.

[0015] Figure 8 An example of a DC / DC converter type buck-boost converter circuit according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0016] Fig. 9 A buck-boost DC / DC converter type buck-boost converter circuit (such as Figure 8 ) shows exemplary power losses and efficiencies at different load currents for a loaded buck-boost converter circuit as shown in FIG.

[0017] Fig.10 A basic topology of a buck converter circuit that may be employed in accordance with the present disclosure is shown.

[0018] Fig.11 It shows that according to the present disclosure Fig.10 The output current Iout of the buck converter circuit shown in FIG.

[0019] Fig.12 It is shown that according to the present disclosure Fig.10 The current IQ1 of the first transistor in.

[0020] Fig.13 It is shown that according to the present disclosure Fig.10 The current IQ2 of the second transistor in.

[0021] Fig.14 According to the present disclosure, the discrete voltage value is Fig.10 A graph of the efficiency (%) as a function of output current (A) over a range of output currents of the buck converter circuit shown in FIG.

[0022] Fig.15 According to the present disclosure, in an LDO regulator (such as an LDO regulator ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) and DC / DC converter type buck-boost converter circuits ( Figure 6 and Figure 8 )) is a graph of efficiency (%) as a function of load current (A) over a range of load currents.

[0023] Fig.16 A surgical system according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0024] Fig.17 An exemplary implementation of a boost converter circuit according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] Fig.18 is a graph showing the efficiency (%) as a function of output current (A) of a DC / DC boost regulator according to the present disclosure.

[0026] Fig.19 A variable potentiometer according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0027] Fig. 20 is a graph of drain current (ID) as a function of drain-to-source voltage (VDS) for a switching field effect transistor according to the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig.21 is a graphical depiction of leakage current losses according to the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig. 22 is a graph of a battery discharge curve according to the present disclosure.

[0030] Fig.23 A supercapacitor charging circuit according to the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig.24 A motor drive circuit with a boost circuit connection according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0032] Fig.25 According to the present disclosure, a surgical suturing instrument ( Figure 1-Figure 3 )'s vibration circuit for harvesting energy from vibrations.

[0033] Fig.26 A circuit for harvesting power from the motion of a drive rod of a surgical stapling instrument according to the present disclosure.

[0034] Fig. 27 A circuit for harvesting power from the motion of a drive rod of a surgical stapling instrument according to the present disclosure.

[0035] Fig.28A diagram showing the additional energy applied to the system from a circuit in accordance with the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on the same date as the present application and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0037] ● U.S. patent application titled “METHOD OF OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT”; attorney docket number END9484USNP2 / 220491-2M;

[0038] ● U.S. Patent Application Titled “SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS WITH ADAPTIVE STAPLE FIRING ALGORITHMS”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP3 / 220491-3;

[0039] ● U.S. Patent Application Titled “LEARNED TRIGGERS FOR ADAPTIVE CONTROL OF SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP4 / 220491-4;

[0040] ● U.S. Patent Application Titled “CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR ACTUATING MOTORIZED FUNCTION OF SURGICALSTAPLING INSTRUMENT UTILIZING INERTIAL DRIVE TRAIN PROPERTIES”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP5 / 220491-5;

[0041] ● U.S. Patent Application Titled “PROPORTIONATE BALANCING OF THE FUNCTION IMPACT MAGNITUDE OF BATTERY OUTPUT TO PEAK MOTOR CURRENT”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP6 / 220491-6;

[0042] ● U.S. Patent Application Titled “MOTOR OPTIMIZATION BY MINIMIZATION OF PARASITIC LOSSES AND TUNING MOTOR DRIVE CONFIGURATION”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP7 / 220491-7;

[0043] ● U.S. Patent Application Titled “SURGICAL TOOL WITH RELAXED FLEX CIRCUIT ARTICULATION”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP9 / 220491-9;

[0044] ● U.S. Patent Application Titled “WIRING HARNESS FOR SMART STAPLER WITH MULTI AXIS ATTICULATION”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP10 / 220491-10;

[0045] ● U.S. Patent Application Titled “SURGICAL SYSTEM WITH WIRELESS ARRAY FOR POWER AND DATATRANSFER”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP11 / 220491-11; and

[0046] ●U.S. patent application titled “SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING REPLACEABLE ELECTRONICS PACKAGE”; attorney docket number END9484USNP12 / 220491-12.

[0047] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on the same date as the present application and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0048] ● U.S. patent application titled “METHOD OF ASSEMBLING A STAPLE CARTRIDGE”; attorney docket number END9484USNP13 / 220491-13M;

[0049] ● U.S. Patent Application Titled “CONTROL SURFACES ON A STAPLE DRIVER OF A SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP14 / 220491-14;

[0050] ● U.S. Patent Application Titled “INTEGRAL CARTRIDGE STIFFENING FEATURES TO REDUCE CARTRIDGE DEFLECTION”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP15 / 220491-15;

[0051] ● U.S. Patent Application Titled “STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WALL STRUCTURES TO REDUCE CARTRIDGE DEFLECTION”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP16 / 220491-16;

[0052] ● U.S. Patent Application Titled “PAN-LESS STAPLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING RETENTION FEATURES FOR HOLDING STAPLE DRIVERS AND SLED”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP17 / 220491-17;

[0053] ● U.S. Patent Application Titled “STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A SLED HAVING A DRIVER LIFT CAM”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP18 / 220491-18;

[0054] ● U.S. Patent Application Titled “SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH SLEDS CONFIGURED TO BECOUPLED TO A FIRING DRIVER OF A COMPATIBLE SURGICAL STAPLER”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP19 / 220491-19;

[0055] ● U.S. Patent Application Titled “STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A COMPOSITE SLED”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP20 / 220491-20;

[0056] ● U.S. Patent Application Titled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW AND FIRING ACTUATOR LOCKOUTARRANGEMENTS LOCATED PROXIMAL TO A JAW PIVOT LOCATION”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP21 / 220491-21;

[0057] ● U.S. Patent Application Titled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LATERALLY ENGAGEABLE LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING A FIRING ACTUATOR”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP22 / 220491-22;

[0058] ● U.S. Patent Application Titled “DUAL INDEPENDENT KEYED LOCKING MEMBERS ACTING ON THE SAMEDRIVE MEMBER”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP23 / 220491-23;

[0059] ● U.S. Patent Application Titled “ADJUNCTS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS”; Attorney Docket Number END9484USNP24 / 220491-24;

[0060] ● U.S. Patent Application Titled “ADJUNCTS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS”; Attorney Docket Number END9484USNP25 / 220491-25;

[0061] ● U.S. Patent Application Titled “JAW CONTROL SURFACES ON A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT JAW”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP26 / 220491-26;

[0062] ● U.S. Patent Application Titled “ZONED ALGORITHM ADAPTIVE CHANGES BASED ON CORRELATION OF COOPERATIVE COMPRESSION CONTRIBUTIONS OF TISSUE”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP27 / 220491-27;

[0063] ● U.S. Patent Application Titled “STAPLE CARTRIDGES COMPRISING TRACE RETENTION FEATURES”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP29 / 220491-29; and

[0064] ●U.S. patent application titled “STAPLE CARTRIDGES COMPRISING STAPLE RETENTION FEATURES”; attorney docket number END9484USNP30 / 220491-30.

[0065] Numerous specific details are listed herein to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments described in the specification and shown in the drawings. Well-known operations, parts, and elements are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the embodiments described in the specification. The reader will understand that the embodiments described and shown are non-limiting examples, so that it can be recognized that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein can be representative and illustrative. Modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0066] Various methods, instruments and systems for performing surgical procedures are provided. Various surgical systems disclosed herein include a working portion that can be inserted into the body in any manner, such as through a natural opening, through an incision or perforation formed in the tissue, etc. The working portion or end effector portion can be inserted directly into the patient's body or can be inserted through an access device having a working channel. As the detailed description of the present invention proceeds, it should be understood that various unique and novel arrangements of various forms of surgical systems disclosed herein can be effectively used in combination with robotically controlled surgical systems and / or handheld surgical systems. Various robotic systems, instruments, components and methods are disclosed in U.S. patent application serial number 13 / 118,241, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLLEDEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0067] refer to Figure 1-Figure 3 , the surgical stapling instrument 5 includes a shaft 10 and an end effector 20 extending from the shaft 10. The end effector 20 includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw defines a channel 21 and a staple cartridge 22 removably positioned in the channel 21. However, other embodiments are envisioned in which the staple cartridge cannot be removed from the first jaw or at least can be easily replaced from the first jaw. The second jaw includes a staple 25 (see FIG. 1 ) configured to eject the staple cartridge 22. Figure 2 ) deformed anvil 24. The second jaw can be pivoted relative to the first jaw about the closing axis to convert the end effector 20 between the open configuration and the closed configuration; other embodiments are envisioned in which the first jaw can be pivoted relative to the second jaw.

[0068] The surgical stapling instrument 5 also includes an articulation joint 30 that is configured to allow the end effector 20 to rotate or articulate relative to the shaft 10. The end effector 20 can rotate around an articulation axis extending through the articulation joint 30. Other embodiments that do not include an articulation joint are contemplated. In the example shown, the cooperating articulation rods 31, 32 are configured to enable the end effector 20 to articulate relative to the shaft 10 around the articulation joint 30. The surgical stapling instrument 5 also includes an articulation lock bar 33 that selectively prevents the articulation of the end effector 20.

[0069] The staple cartridge 22 includes a cartridge body 27 having a proximal end, a distal end, and a platform 26 extending between the proximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge 22 is positioned on a first side of the tissue to be sutured and the anvil 24 is positioned on a second side of the tissue. According to the present disclosure, the anvil 24 can be moved toward the staple cartridge 22 to compress and clamp the tissue against the platform 26. In addition, the staple cartridge 22 can be moved relative to the anvil 24, or alternatively, both the staple cartridge 22 and the anvil 24 can be moved to compress and clamp the tissue.

[0070] In addition to the above, the drive shaft 40 can move distally to push the firing beam 60 to transform the end effector 20 toward the closed configuration, thereby compressing the tissue. In the illustrated example, the firing beam 60 is in the form of an I-shaped beam, which includes a first cam and a second cam configured to engage the first jaw and the second jaw, respectively. When the firing beam 60 is advanced distally, the first cam and the second cam can control the distance or tissue gap between the platform of the nail magazine 22 and the anvil 24. In the illustrated example, the firing beam 60 pushes the slide 50 to deploy the nail 25 from the nail magazine 22. According to the present disclosure, a separate closing mechanism, such as a closing tube, can be used to transform the end effector 20 toward the closed configuration. The firing beam 60 may or may not include the first cam and the second cam. In addition, the firing beam 60 may be in the form of an E-shaped beam having a first cam, a second cam and a third cam. In addition, according to the present disclosure, the firing beam 60 and the closing tube can cooperate to achieve the closure of the end effector 20. Alternatively, the firing beam 60 may only effectuate the deployment of the staples 25 .

[0071] According to this disclosure, Figure 1As shown, the firing beam 60 may include a knife configured to cut out tissue captured between the staple cartridge 22 and the anvil 24. It is desirable that the knife be positioned at least partially close to the ramp surface so that the staples are ejected before the knife. More details about alternative implementations of surgical stapling systems suitable for use with the present disclosure are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 385,887 entitled "METHOD FOR ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND, ALTERNATIVELY, TO A SURGICAL ROBOT, and US Patent Application No. 16 / 209,416, entitled METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION, PROCESSING, DISPLAY, AND CLOUD ANALYTICS", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0072] The staples 25 removably stored in the cartridge body 27 can be deployed into the tissue. The cartridge body 27 includes staple cavities 28 defined therein, wherein the staples 25 are removably stored in the staple cavities 28. The staple cavities 28 are arranged in longitudinal rows. In the illustrated example, three rows of staple cavities 28 are positioned on a first side of the longitudinal slot 29 and three rows of staple cavities 28 are positioned on a second side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staple cavities 28 and staples 25 are also possible.

[0073] The staples 25 are supported in the cartridge body 27 by staple drivers 35. The staple drivers 35 are movable between a first or unfired position and a second or fired position to eject the staples 25 from the staple cavities 28. The staple drivers 35 are movable between their unfired positions and their fired positions by a sled 50 that includes an inclined surface 51 configured to slide under the staple drivers 35 and lift the staple drivers 35 and the staples 25 supported thereon toward the anvil 24. In the illustrated example, distal movement of the drive shaft 40 causes the sled 50 to move distally within the staple cartridge 22 to deploy the staples 25.

[0074] Main reference Figure 2, the slide 50 includes a first inclined surface 51a, a second inclined surface 51b, a third inclined surface 51c, and a fourth inclined surface 51d, which are configured to engage the first nail driver 35a, the second nail driver 35b, the third nail driver 35c, and the fourth nail driver 35d along the nail forming distance (D) to deploy the nail 25 from the corresponding nail cavity 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d for forming against the corresponding forming recess in the anvil 24. In the illustrated example, the nail drivers 35b, 35c are double drivers, while the nail drivers 35a, 35d are single drivers. The double driver supports two nails in two separate nail cavities, while the single driver supports a single nail in a single nail cavity.

[0075] Figure 3 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a surgical stapling instrument 5; various components of the surgical stapling instrument 5 communicate with a control circuit 100. Such components may receive signals from and / or send signals to the control circuit 100. Such signals include command signals, status signals, sensor signals, and / or any other suitable signals. The control circuit 100 may be configured to be able to implement the various methods described herein with the help of various components of the surgical stapling system that communicate with the control circuit 100. In the illustrated example, the control circuit 100 includes a controller 102, which includes one or more processors 104 (e.g., microprocessors, microcontrollers) coupled to at least one memory circuit 106. The memory circuit 106 stores machine executable instructions that cause the processor 104 to execute machine instructions to implement the various processes described herein when executed by the processor 104. The processor 104 may be any of a variety of single-core processors or multi-core processors known in the art. The memory circuit 106 may include a volatile storage medium and a non-volatile storage medium. The processor 104 may include an instruction processing unit and an operation unit. The instruction processing unit may be configured to be able to receive instructions from the memory circuit 106. The control circuit 100 may include a combinational logic circuit and / or a sequential logic circuit. The processor 104 communicates with the database 124 to store various information related to the surgical stapling instrument 5. According to the present disclosure, the database 124 may store and identify other components of the staple cartridge or end effector 20.

[0076] For example, according to the present disclosure, the control circuit 100 can be configured to communicate with a motor assembly 110 including a motor and a motor controller. The motor assembly can generate a rotational motion to achieve a translational motion of the drive shaft 40. The control circuit 160 can generate a motor set point signal. The motor set point signal can be provided to the motor controller. The motor controller can include one or more circuits configured to provide a motor drive signal to the motor to drive the motor as described herein. The motor can be a brushed DC electric motor. For example, the speed of the motor can be proportional to the motor drive signal. Alternatively, the motor can be a brushless DC electric motor, and the motor drive signal can include a PWM signal provided to one or more stator windings of the motor. In addition, the motor driver can be omitted, and the control circuit 100 can directly generate the motor drive signal. The position, movement, displacement and / or translation of the drive shaft 40, the firing beam 60 and / or the slide 50 (collectively referred to herein as the "firing assembly") can be measured / monitored by the control circuit 100 based on input from one or more sensors 120.

[0077] The motor assembly 110 can be powered by a power source 111, which in one form can include a removable power pack. The power pack can include a housing configured to support a plurality of batteries, each of which can include, for example, a lithium ion ("LI") or other suitable battery, and can be connected in series, for example. The power source 111 can be replaceable and / or rechargeable. Other power sources are contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0078] The sensor 120 may include a position sensor 121 configured to sense the position, motion, displacement and / or translation of one or more components of the firing assembly (such as, for example, the drive shaft 40, the firing beam 60 and / or the slide 50). The position sensor 121 may include any type of sensor capable of generating position data indicating the position of the firing assembly. According to the present disclosure, the position sensor 121 may include an encoder configured to provide a series of pulses to the control circuit 100 when the firing assembly is translated distally and proximally. The control circuit 100 may track the pulses to determine the position, motion, displacement and / or translation of the components of the firing assembly. Other suitable position sensors may be used, including, for example, proximity sensors. Other types of position sensors may provide other signals indicating the movement of the firing assembly. In the case where the motor is a stepper motor, the control circuit 100 may track the position of the components of the firing assembly by gathering the number and direction of steps that the motor has been instructed to perform. The position sensor 120 may be located in the end effector 20 or at any other part of the surgical stapling instrument 5.

[0079] The various sensors 120 may be adapted to measure various other parameters, such as gap distance versus time, tissue compression versus time, and anvil strain versus time. The sensors 120 may include magnetic sensors, magnetic field sensors, strain gauges, pressure sensors, force sensors, inductive sensors (such as eddy current sensors), resistive sensors, capacitive sensors, optical sensors, and / or any other suitable sensor for measuring one or more parameters of the end effector 20. One or more sensors 120 may be sampled in real time by the processor 104 of the control circuit 100 during the clamping operation. The control circuit 100 receives the real-time sample measurements to provide and analyze time-based information and evaluate the measured parameters, such as, for example, force and / or position parameters, in real time.

[0080] One or more sensors 120 may include a strain gauge (such as a micro strain gauge) configured to measure the magnitude of strain in the anvil 24 during the clamping condition. The strain gauge provides an electrical signal whose amplitude varies with the magnitude of the strain. The sensor 120 may include a pressure sensor configured to detect the pressure generated by the presence of compressed tissue between the anvil 24 and the staple cartridge 22. The sensor 120 may be configured to detect the impedance of the tissue section between the anvil 24 and the staple cartridge 22, which indicates the thickness and / or completeness of the tissue located therebetween.

[0081] The sensor 120 may include a force sensor 122 configured to measure forces associated with firing and / or closing conditions. For example, the force sensor 122 may be located at an interaction point between the closure tube and the anvil 24 to detect the closing force applied to the anvil 24 by the closure tube. The force applied to the anvil 24 may represent the tissue compression experienced by the tissue segment captured between the anvil 24 and the staple cartridge 22. The force sensor 122 may be positioned at various interaction points along the closure drive system to detect the closing force applied to the anvil 24.

[0082] Similarly, the force sensor 122 can be located at the interaction point between the components of the firing assembly to detect the firing force applied by the firing assembly, thereby advancing the firing beam 60 and the slide 50 to deploy the nail into the tissue and cut the tissue. The measured force represents the firing load experienced by the firing assembly. Alternatively or in addition, a current sensor can be used to measure the current drawn by the motor of the motor assembly 110. The force required to advance the firing assembly corresponds to the current drawn by the motor. The measured force can be converted into a digital signal and provided to the control circuit 100.

[0083] In addition to the above, the surgical stapling instrument 5 also includes a user interface 140 having an input device (e.g., a capacitive touch screen or a keyboard) for receiving input from a user and an output device (e.g., a display screen) for providing output to the user. The output may include data from a query input by the user, a recommendation for a product or product mixture to be used in a given operation, and / or instructions for actions to be performed before, during, or after a surgical operation. The user interface 140 may communicate with the control circuit 100, such as Figure 3 shown.

[0084] During surgical stapling, the clinician can operate the surgical stapling instrument 5 to sequentially fire multiple nail cartridges along a selected tissue resection line to achieve a clinical result. For example, in a gastrectomy, the clinician can sequentially fire nail cartridges of different characteristics (e.g., size, color, type, length, nail height, nail diameter, nail size) along a selected tissue resection line to remove a portion of the stomach. In operation, the nail cartridges are fired along the tissue resection line in an end-to-end arrangement.

[0085] The clinician can use any suitable imaging technology (such as, for example, x-ray, registered magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and / or computed tomography (CT) scan) to examine the tissue selected for excision. The clinician can then select a suitable tissue excision line and a staple cartridge for sequential firing along the selected tissue excision line. However, visual inspection has its limitations, and the response of the tissue to suturing can vary according to many factors, including, for example, patient age, tissue health and / or tissue type. In addition, tissue thickness and / or hardness may vary along the selected tissue excision line, resulting in unexpected tissue response.

[0086] Various methods, devices, and systems are provided for adaptively adjusting operating parameters of surgical stapling instruments 5 during staple cartridge firing based on tissue response in earlier stages / regions of staple cartridge firing. In addition, various methods, devices, and systems are provided for adaptively adjusting operating parameters of surgical stapling instruments 5 during staple cartridge firing based on tissue response in one or more previous staple cartridge firings in a surgical procedure involving multiple sequential firings.

[0087] According to the present disclosure, the processor 104 can execute various program instructions to implement various algorithms related to firing a staple cartridge by the surgical stapling instrument 5, and the program instructions can be stored in a memory circuit, such as the memory circuit 106. Such algorithms, such as thresholds, limits, triggers, conditions, pauses, and / or wait times, can be adjusted based on information obtained from tissue responses in early stages / regions of staple cartridge firing and / or based on tissue responses in one or more previous staple cartridge firings in a surgical procedure involving multiple sequential firings, as described in more detail below.

[0088] Parasitic losses occur within the circuits of surgical instruments. Parasitic losses can occur when power is consumed, even when the device is powered off. In addition, parasitic losses can occur when energy is lost during the powering of components in the circuit. Instantaneous overcoming of parasitic losses within surgical instruments allows the instrument to minimize power transfer away from the motor and increase the power of the motor. The three main contributing causes of parasitic losses in power semiconductors are conduction, switching, and blocking (also known as reverse leakage). Conduction losses are the product of the current flowing through the electrical components. Ripple current affects power losses.

[0089] According to the present disclosure, a surgical instrument may include a control circuit that can actively reduce its power draw to enable the motor to use the entire battery output. A battery-powered surgical instrument has control electronics that can operate the motor control circuit while reducing the power draw of the control electronics from the main power source to such a level that the motor can utilize power from substantially all of the output of the battery. The control electronics may have an integrated accumulator and / or a boost circuit that can provide a voltage level to the control circuit that is different from the voltage of the main battery pack. In addition, the control electronics can be selectively temporarily disconnected from the output power of the main battery pack and recoupled. The electrical components can be temporarily removed from the main power source.

[0090] In addition, optimization of power supply efficiency for rated output current optimizes overall circuit efficiency and reduces circuit losses. A power supply with multiple converter circuits is able to specify different load conditions (voltage and current requirements). The converter circuit can be any of a buck converter circuit, a boost converter circuit, or a buck-boost converter circuit. Under low load conditions, an LDO regulator is more efficient than a power supply. For example, an LDO voltage regulator optimizes voltage output based on predetermined load conditions. The surgical device can switch from a power supply to an LDO regulator during low loads to increase battery life. When switching from one power source to another, additional capacitance maintains the voltage rail until the switch is complete.

[0091] Figure 4 is a circuit 5000 according to the present disclosure. The circuit 5000 is a part of a surgical instrument. For example, the circuit 5000 may be Figure 1 and Figure 3 A portion of a surgical stapling instrument 5 is shown. Referring now to Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4, the surgical stapling instrument 5 may include a circuit 5000. The circuit 5000 includes a power management circuit 5010 coupled to a control circuit 5012 to reduce or overcome parasitic losses of the surgical stapling instrument 5. The power management circuit 5010 is a power management circuit including two configurable high-efficiency buck regulators for supplying a variable voltage. The circuit 5000 reduces electrical system parasitic losses and operating losses, including temporarily removing control electronics from the main power source. The circuit 5000 enables the motor 5026 to approach the full capacity of the power source (e.g., a battery).

[0092] The power management circuit 5010 receives input power from the power supply 5002 and the input / output (IO) power supply 5020. Figure 4 In the example shown in , the power management circuit 5010 includes an LDO regulator 5004, a plurality of converter circuits 5006a, 5006b, and a control logic and register circuit 5008 coupled between the LDO regulator 5004 and the plurality of converter circuits 5006a, 5006b. The converter circuits 5006a, 5006b may be any of a buck converter circuit, a boost converter circuit, or a buck-boost converter circuit. The power management circuit 5010 may include a single converter circuit 5006a. The power management circuit 5010 also includes a comparator 5022 and a serial peripheral interface 5024 (SPI). The power management circuit 5010 operates in cooperation with the control circuit 5012 to optimize the supply voltage to the motor 5026 via the SPI 5024, as well as low power conditions and power saving modes. The power management circuit 5010 also supports the LDO regulator 5004 and a programmable interrupt comparator 5022 to monitor VIN. The motor 5026 is coupled to a power source of the power management circuit 5010 through the control circuit 5012 .

[0093] The control circuit 5012 includes a system control circuit 5114, a flash I / O circuit 5016, and a host domain circuit 5018. The control circuit 5012 communicates with the power management circuit 5010 via the SPI 5024 to control the control logic and register circuit 5008 to select the output voltages V2, V3 supplied by the converter circuits 5006a, 5006b, respectively. According to the present disclosure, the output voltage V2 can be in the range of 1.1V to 3.6V at 1A, and the output voltage V3 can be in the range of 0.7V to 1.335V at 1A. In addition, according to the present disclosure, the LDO regulator 5004 can output a voltage V1 of approximately 3.0V at 250mA. The control circuit 5012 may include additional control electronics (not shown) that draw power from the power supply 5002. The control circuit 5012 may be Figure 3 One embodiment of a control circuit 100 is shown in FIG.

[0094] Continue to refer Figure 1, Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the control circuit 5012 measures the load of the motor 5026. The control circuit 5012 measures the load of the motor 5026 using a voltage monitor (e.g., a voltage sensor or a voltmeter) and / or a current monitor (e.g., a current sensor or an ammeter) coupled between the motor 5026 and the power source. The control circuit 5012 can couple a power source from the power source 5002, the LDO regulator 5004, or one of the plurality of converter circuits 5006a, 5006b based on the load of the motor 5026, and can cause the motor 5026 to receive power from the selected source. The control circuit 5012 can couple either the regulator 5004 or the converter circuit 5006a based on a predetermined voltage load or a predetermined current load applied to the motor. The motor 5026 cooperates with the shaft 10 and the end effector 20 to produce a surgical effect. The control circuit 5012 can determine the power source of the motor 5026 based in part on the load of the motor 5026. The selected power source is one of the power supply 5002, the LDO regulator 5004, or a plurality of converter circuits 5006a, 5006b. The load may be one or both of the voltage (V) load of the motor 5026 or the current load (I) of the motor 5026. According to the present disclosure, the converter circuits 5006a, 5006b may be step-down (at Fig.10 ) converter circuit, boost (in Fig.17 ) converter circuit or buck-boost (in Figure 6 and Figure 8 Any one of the converter circuits shown in ).

[0095] The control circuit 5012 stores the operating ranges of the power supply 5002, the LDO regulator 5004, and the plurality of converter circuits 5006a, 5006b. According to the present disclosure, the expected operating ranges of the power supply 5002, the LDO regulator 5004, and the plurality of converter circuits 5006a, 5006b may dictate the selection of the power source. The operating range includes at least one of the voltage (V) and current (I) output of each power source.

[0096] The control circuit 5012 stores the efficiency of each selectable power source (e.g., power supply 5002, LDO regulator 5004, and multiple converter circuits 5006a, 5006b). In addition, the control circuit 5012 stores the voltage (V) and current (I) output of each power source. The control circuit 5012 can determine the power source based in part on the voltage (V) and current (I) output of each selectable power source.

[0097] According to the present disclosure, the control circuit 5012 can couple the power source of the power management circuit 5010 (such as, for example, the LDO regulator 5004 and a plurality of converter circuits 5006a, 5006b selected by the control circuit 5012) to the motor 5026. In the case where at least one of the converter circuits 5006a, 5006b is a boost converter circuit, the control circuit 5012 can be configured to couple the boost converter circuit to the motor 5026 based on the voltage load at the motor 5026 exceeding a predetermined voltage load. Additionally, in the case where at least one of the converter circuits 5006a, 5006b is a boost converter circuit, the control circuit 5012 can be configured to determine a voltage sag at the motor 5026 and can couple the boost converter circuit to the motor 5026. Alternatively, in the case where at least one of the converter circuits 5006a, 5006b is a buck converter circuit, the buck converter circuit 5012 can be selected based on the current exceeding a predetermined current load. The regulator 5004 may be a low dropout (LDO) regulator, and the control circuit 5012 may couple the motor 5026 to the LDO regulator based on the voltage load of the motor 5026 being lower than a predetermined voltage load.

[0098] Figure 5 is a circuit 5100 according to the present disclosure. For example, the circuit 5100 may be Figure 1 and Figure 3 A portion of the surgical stapling instrument 5 is shown in FIG. Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 , the surgical stapling instrument 5 may include a circuit 5100. The circuit includes a power management circuit 5110 coupled to a control circuit 5112 to reduce or overcome parasitic losses of the surgical stapling instrument 5. The power management circuit 5110 is an advanced power management unit that includes three configurable high-efficiency buck regulators for supplying variable voltages. The circuit 5100 reduces electrical system parasitic losses and operating losses, including temporarily removing control electronics from the main power source. The circuit 5100 enables the motor 5126 to approach the full capacity of the power source (e.g., a battery).

[0099] Similar to combining Figure 4 The power management circuit 5010 described, Figure 5 The power management circuit 5110 shown in FIG. 1 receives input power from the power supply 5102 and the I / O power supply 5120. The power management circuit 5110 includes an LDO regulator 5104, a plurality of converter circuits 5106a, 5106b, 5106c, and a control logic and register circuit 5108 coupled between the LDO regulator 5104 and the plurality of converter circuits 5106a, 5106b, 5106c. The converter circuits 5106a, 5106b, 5106c can be step-down (at Fig.10 ) converter circuit, boost (in Fig.17 ) converter circuit or buck-boost (in Figure 6 and 8 The power management circuit 5510 may include any of the converter circuits shown in Figure 5106a). The power management circuit 5110 may include a single converter circuit 5106a. The power management circuit 5110 also includes a comparator 5122 and an SPI 5124. The power management circuit 5110 operates in cooperation with the control circuit 5112 to optimize the supply voltage to the motor 5126 via the SPI 5124 as well as low power conditions and power saving modes. The power management circuit 5110 also supports the LDO regulator 5104 and a programmable interrupt comparator 5122 to monitor VIN. The motor 5126 is coupled to the power supply of the power management circuit 5110 through the control circuit 5112.

[0100] The control circuit 5112 includes a system control circuit 5114, a host controller 5128, a host 1 flash I / O circuit 5116, a host 2 domain circuit 5118, and a host 3 domain circuit 5130. The control circuit 5112 communicates with the power management circuit 5110 via the SPI 5124 to control the control logic and register circuit 5108 to select the output voltages V2, V3, and V4 supplied by the converter circuits 5106a, 5106b, and 5106c, respectively. According to the present disclosure, the output voltage V2 can be in the range of 1.1V to 3.6V at 1.6A, the output voltage V3 can be in the range of 1.1V to 3.6V at 1A, and the output voltage V3 can be in the range of 0.7V to 1.335V at 1A. In addition, according to the present disclosure, the LDO regulator 5104 can output a voltage V1 of about 1.2V to 3.1V at up to 250mA. The control circuit 5112 may include additional control electronics (not shown) that draw power from the power supply 5102. The control circuit 5112 may be Figure 3 One embodiment of a control circuit 100 is shown in FIG.

[0101] Continue to refer Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5, the control circuit 5112 measures the load of the motor 5126. The control circuit 5112 measures the load of the motor 5016 using a voltage monitor (e.g., a voltage sensor or a voltmeter) and / or a current monitor (e.g., a current sensor or an ammeter) coupled between the motor 5126 and the power supply. The control circuit 5112 can select a power source from the power supply 5102, the LDO regulator 5104, or one of the multiple converter circuits 5106a, 5106b, 5106c based on the load, and can cause the motor to receive power from the selected source. In addition, the control circuit 5012 can couple any one of the regulator 5004 or the converter circuit 5006a based on a predetermined voltage load or a predetermined current load applied to the motor. The motor 5126 cooperates with the shaft 10 and the end effector 20 to produce a surgical effect. The control circuit 5112 can determine the power source of the motor 5126 based in part on the load of the motor 5126. The selected power source is one of a power supply 5102, an LDO regulator 5104, or a plurality of converter circuits 5106a, 5106b, 5106c. The load may be one or both of a voltage (V) load of the motor 5126 or a current (I) load of the motor. The converter circuits 5106a, 5106b, 5106c may be any of a buck converter circuit, a boost converter circuit, or a buck-boost converter circuit.

[0102] The control circuit 5112 stores the operating ranges of the power supply 5102, the LDO regulator 5104, and the plurality of converter circuits 5106a, 5106b, 5106c. According to the present disclosure, the selection of the power source can be based on the expected operating range of the power supply 5102, the LDO regulator 5104, and the plurality of converter circuits 5106a, 5106b, 5106c. The operating range includes at least one of the voltage and current output of each power source.

[0103] The control circuit 5112 stores the efficiency of each selectable power source (e.g., power supply 5102, LDO regulator 5104, and multiple converter circuits 5106a, 5106b, 5106c). In addition, the control circuit 5112 stores the voltage and current output of each power source. The control circuit 5112 can determine the power source based in part on the voltage (V) and current (I) output of each selectable power source.

[0104] According to the present disclosure, the control circuit 5112 can couple the power source of the power management circuit 5110, such as, for example, the LDO 5104 and a plurality of converter circuits 5106a, 5106b, 5106c of the power source selected by the control circuit 5112, to the motor 5126. In the case where at least one of the converter circuits 5106a, 5106b, 5106c is a boost converter circuit, the control circuit 5112 can be configured to be able to couple the boost converter circuit to the motor 5126 based on the voltage load at the motor 5126 exceeding a predetermined voltage load. In addition, in the case where at least one of the converter circuits 5106a, 5106b, 5106c is a boost converter circuit, the control circuit 5112 can be configured to be able to determine a voltage sag at the motor 5126 and couple the boost converter circuit to the motor 5126. Where at least one of the converter circuits 5106a, 5106b, 5106c is a buck converter circuit, the buck converter circuit 5112 may be selected based on the current exceeding a predetermined current load. The regulator 5104 may be a low dropout (LDO) regulator, and the control circuit 5112 may couple the motor 5126 to the LDO regulator based on the voltage load of the motor 5126 being below a predetermined voltage load.

[0105] Combination Figure 4 The converter circuits 5006a, 5006b described herein and in combination Figure 5 The described converter circuits 5106a, 5106b, 5106c may be implemented as Figure 6 and Figure 8 The buck-boost converter circuits 5200, 5300 shown in FIG. The buck-boost converter circuits 5200, 5300 are described below. Figure 7 is based on Fig. 9 The efficiency shown in Figure 3-Figure 5 A graphical representation of the operating modes of the control circuits 100, 5012, 5112 shown in FIG.

[0106] Figure 6 and Figure 8 An example of a DC / DC converter type buck-boost converter circuit 5200, 5300 is shown. The buck-boost converter circuit 5200, 5300 operates from an input voltage that is higher than, lower than, or equal to an output voltage. The buck-boost converter circuit 5200 may include an input terminal (input) 5202 from a voltage source (not shown) at a first voltage level, a buck-boost DC / DC converter 5206, and an output terminal (output) 5204 at a second voltage level. The buck-boost converter circuit 5200, 5300 may be Figure 4 and Figure 5Any one of the converter circuits (5006a, 5006b, 5106a, 5106b, 5106c).

[0107] According to the present disclosure, the output terminal 5204 can be coupled to a motor (e.g., Figure 4-Figure 5 The buck-boost converter circuit 5200 outputs a second voltage level to the motor. The second voltage level can be controlled by a control circuit (e.g., Figure 3-Figure 5 The control circuit 100, 5012, 5112) shown in FIG. 5 is controlled by the control circuit. The control circuit controls the second voltage level applied to the motor. The first voltage level may be different from the second voltage level.

[0108] According to this disclosure, Figure 8 The buck-boost converter circuit 5300 shown in FIG. 5 may be similar to Figure 6 . The buck-boost converter circuit 5200 shown in FIG. The buck-boost converter circuit 5300 includes an input terminal 5302 from a voltage source VIN at a first voltage level, a DC / DC converter type buck-boost converter circuit 5306, and an output terminal 5304 at a second voltage level. The buck-boost converter circuits 5200, 5300 are configured to be capable of being used for different input voltage ranges. Figure 8 As shown in , the buck-boost converter circuit 5300 is loaded by R2 and R1 so that there is a current (I) through the output terminal 5304. For example, the buck-boost converter circuits 5200, 5300 are Figure 1 and Figure 3 A portion of a surgical stapling instrument 5 is shown in FIG.

[0109] Figure 7 is an exemplary DC / DC converter type buck-boost converter circuit (such as Figure 6 5210 . Three modes 5212, 5214, 5216 are depicted in graph 5210 , which represent efficiency (%) (along the vertical axis) as a function of input voltage (V) (along the horizontal axis) applied to the buck-boost converter circuit 5200. For example, boost mode 5212 occurs when the input voltage is approximately 400 mV lower than the output voltage. Buck mode 5216 occurs when the input voltage is approximately 800 mV higher than the output voltage. In 4-switch mode 5214, the input voltage is between the voltages for boost mode 5212 and buck mode 5216. The different modes are based on the input voltage level and the desired output voltage level (second voltage level). The modes vary in efficiency, with buck mode 5216 having the highest efficiency.

[0110] As an example and return reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the control circuit 5012, 5112 determines the output voltage to the motor 5026, 5126. The operating mode of the converter circuit 5006a, 5006b, 5106a, 5106b, 5106c is based on the output voltage. The control circuit 5012, 5112 stores the operating efficiency of each operating mode of each converter circuit 5006a, 5006b, 5106a, 5106b, 5106c. The control circuit 5012, 5112 selects a buck-boost converter circuit based on the output voltage and the operating efficiency of the operating mode of the converter circuit for that output voltage. Once the control circuit 5012, 5112 selects the operating mode of the converter circuit, the control circuit 5012, 5112 communicates with the control logic and register circuit 5008, 5108 via the SPI 5024, 5124 of the power management circuit 5010, 5110 to select the desired power output for the motor 5026, 5126 and other circuits as described above. For example, the control circuit 5012 can select one of the converter circuits 5006a, 5006b for connection to the motor 5026. For example, the control circuit 5112 can select one of the converter circuits 5106a, 5106b, 5106c for connection to the motor 5126.

[0111] Fig. 9 is a buck-boost DC / DC converter type buck-boost converter circuit (such as Figure 8 5220 shows the efficiency (%) (along the left vertical axis) as a function of the load current (mA) (along the horizontal axis) and the power loss (mW) (along the right vertical axis) as a function of the load current (mA). As shown, both the efficiency 5222 and the power loss 5224 increase with increasing load current.

[0112] As an example and return reference Figure 4 and Figure 5, the control circuit 5012, 5112 measures the load current to determine the efficiency and power loss of the converter circuit 5006a, 5006b, 5106a, 5106b, 5106c. The control circuit 5012, 5112 stores a profile of the power loss and efficiency of each converter circuit 5006a, 5006b, 5106a, 5106b, 5106c for different load currents. The control circuit 5012, 5112 may store the efficiency and power loss of each converter circuit 5006a, 5006b, 5106a, 5106b, 5106c for different load currents. The control circuit 5012, 5112 determines the power source based on at least one of the power loss, efficiency, or load current. As an example and returning to reference Figure 7 , the control circuit 5012, 5112 can determine the efficiency based on the stored operating efficiency of each mode of each converter circuit 5006a, 5006b, 5106a, 5106b, 5106c.

[0113] Fig.10 The basic topology of a buck converter circuit 5400 according to the present disclosure is shown. The buck converter circuit 5400 may be Figure 4 and Figure 5 The buck converter circuit 5400 has both inductor conduction losses and transistor conduction losses. The buck converter circuit 5400 includes a first transistor 5402 (Q1) and a second transistor 5404 (Q2) coupled between an input terminal 5406 and an output terminal 5408 of the buck converter circuit 5400. The first current (at Fig.12 ) flows through the first transistor 5402. The second current (shown in Fig.13 ) flows through the second transistor 5404.

[0114] Input 5406 is coupled to a power source, such as a battery for a surgical instrument. Output 5408 may be coupled to a motor. Control circuits 5012, 5112 (in Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) controls the level of the output voltage of the buck converter circuit 5400. The control circuits 5012 and 5112 control transistors 5402 (Q1) and 5404 (Q2) to change the output current I of the buck converter circuit 5400. 输出 The control circuits 5012 and 5112 apply control signals to the input terminals 5402a and 5402b of the transistors 5402 (Q1) and 5404 (Q2) to control the current I output by the first transistor 5402 (Q1). Q1 and the current I output by the second transistor 5404 (Q2) Q2To control the output current I of the buck converter circuit 5400 输出 .

[0115] Fig.11 Shows Fig.10 The output current I of the buck converter circuit 5400 shown in FIG. 输出 . Fig.12 Shows the flow Fig.10 The current I of the first transistor 5402 (Q1) in Q1 . Fig.13 Shows the flow Fig.10 The current I of the second transistor 5404 (Q2) in Q2 The current I flowing through the first transistor 5402 (Q1) Q1 and the current I flowing through the second transistor 5404 (Q2) Q2 The ripple current 5420 is generated through the inductor 5410 (L). The output current I generated by the inductor L is 输出 5422 is applied to the motor (e.g., Figure 4 and Figure 5 Motors 5026, 5126 shown in ).

[0116] Control circuits 5012, 5112 (in Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) turns on and off the first transistor 5402 (Q1) and the second transistor 5404 (Q2). For example, the control circuit 5012, 5112 turns on the first transistor 5402 (Q1) and turns off the second transistor 5404 (Q2). In the on state, when the first transistor 5402 (Q1) switch is turned on, the current through the inductor 5410 begins to increase linearly, as shown by the first transistor 5402 (Q1) current 5421 (I Q1 )'s slope 5424( Fig.11 and Fig.12 At the end of the duty cycle, the control circuits 5012 and 5112 turn off the first transistor 5402 (Q1).

[0117] Control circuits 5012, 5112 (in Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) turns on the second transistor 5404 (Q2). At this time, the inductor 5410 (L) continues to conduct current and the second transistor 5404 (Q2) conducts current 5423 (I Q2 )( Fig.13 ). The current (L) through inductor 5410 begins to decrease linearly, as indicated by slope 5426 ( Fig.13 ) as shown. Figure 11-13The buck converter circuit waveforms of ripple currents 5420, 5421, 5423 shown in FIG. 1 depict the switching action. The ripple current 5420 through the inductor 5410 (L) is Fig.11 As mentioned above, I 输出 is the output current 5422 ( Figure 11-13 ). For example, the output current 5422 is supplied to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The motor of the surgical stapling instrument 5 is shown.

[0118] Fig.14 The discrete voltage value is Fig.10 5430 shows the efficiency (%) (along the vertical axis) as a function of output current (A) (along the horizontal axis) over a range of output currents of the buck converter circuit 5400 shown in FIG. 5430 shows the efficiency (%) (along the vertical axis) over a range of output currents of the buck converter circuit 5400 shown in FIG. 输出 The efficiency of the buck converter circuit 5400 for different input voltage values ​​5432 (5V), 5434 (8V), 5436 (12V), 5438 (15V), and 5440 (20V) over a range of 1.0A-10.0A. As shown by the various curves, the efficiency is greater at lower input voltages. Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) stores a similar efficiency profile.

[0119] Fig.15 is in an LDO regulator (such as LDO regulators 5004, 5104 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) and DC / DC converter type buck-boost converter circuits 5200, 5300 ( Figure 6 and Figure 8 Graph 5450 of efficiency (%) (along the vertical axis) as a function of load current (A) for a range of load currents ). Fig.15 As shown, the efficiency 5452 of the DC / DC converter type buck-boost converter circuit 5200, 5300 increases with the load current, while the efficiency 5454 of the LDO regulator 5004, 5104 does not change with the load current. At low load currents, the efficiency of the LDO regulator 5004, 5104 is greater than the efficiency of the DC / DC converter type buck-boost converter circuit 5200, 5300. The control circuit 5012, 5112 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 )Storage LDO regulators 5004, 5104 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ), converter circuits 5006a, 5006b, 5106a, 5106b ( Figure 4and Figure 5 ) and DC / DC converter type buck-boost converter circuits 5200, 5300 ( Figure 6 and 8 ) efficiency. The control circuits 5012, 5112 use the stored efficiency to control the motors 5026, 5126 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) determines which power source is more efficient. Therefore, the control circuit 5012, 5112 can use a current level operating range switching technique to optimize the power source for its expected operating range to increase efficiency. Therefore, depending on the range, a DC / DC converter circuit may be more suitable than an LDO regulator. Figure 1-Figure 3 ) of the circuit 5000, 5100 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) need to be minimized. In order to minimize the switching losses of the circuits 5000, 5100 of the surgical stapling instrument 5, the control circuits 5012, 5112 control the on / off time and rise / fall time of the transistors of the converter circuits 5006a, 5006b, 5106a, 5106b, 5106c to minimize the switching circuit losses. The control circuits 5012, 5112 control the switching frequency to be above the human audible range.

[0120] Fig.16 A surgical system 5500 is shown in accordance with the present disclosure. The surgical system 5500 is Figure 1-Figure 3 . The surgical system 5500 includes a battery pack 5502, an H-bridge 5506, and a boost converter circuit 5504 coupled between the battery pack 5502 and the H-bridge 5506. Inserting the boost converter circuit 5504 between the battery pack 5502 and the H-bridge 5506 can allow the surgical system 5500 to operate at a lower voltage, however, switching efficiency produces system losses. The surgical system 5500 can provide an additional voltage to the voltage supplied by the battery pack 5502 to increase the voltage applied to the motors 5026, 5126 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) voltage. Control circuit 5012, 5112 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) can determine whether the boost converter circuit 5504 provides additional voltage to the H-bridge 5506. The control circuits 5012, 5112 determine which boost converter circuit can provide additional voltage to the motors 5006, 5126 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) provides additional voltage. Different types of boost converter circuits 5504 are disclosed herein.

[0121] Fig.17An exemplary embodiment of a boost converter circuit 5510 according to the present disclosure is shown. The boost converter circuit 5510 may be Figure 4 and Figure 5 The boost converter circuit 5510 is based on the selective coupling to the motor 5026, 5126 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) input voltage 5514(V 输入 ) generates an output voltage of 5516 (V 输出 ). Increase the capacitance of the output capacitor 5518 (C O ) reduces the boost converter circuit 5510 to maintain the output voltage 5516 (V 输出 ) effort required. The boost converter circuit 5510 can use, for example, current mode, pulse width modulation (PWM) control to regulate the output voltage 5516 (V 输出 ). The boost converter circuit 5510 receives an input voltage 5514 (V 输入 ), and the boost regulator 5512 outputs an output voltage 5516 (V 输出 ). Control circuits 5012, 5112 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) controls the boost regulator 5512 to set the output voltage 5516 (V 输出 ).

[0122] The boost converter circuit 5510 can be used to generate voltage from motors 5026, 5126 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) maintains an output voltage of 5516(V 输出 ). Control circuits 5012, 5112 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) determines that the motor 5026, 5126 load is greater than a predetermined threshold and couples the output of the boost converter circuit 5510 to the motor 5026, 5126. This provides additional voltage to the motor 5026, 5126 to overcome any voltage sag that occurs due to the load condition.

[0123] The boost converter circuit 5510 provides several advantages. For example, in a battery pack (such as Fig.16 Under heavy load conditions of the battery pack 5502 shown in FIG. 5 , the voltage of the battery pack drops significantly. Under a considerable voltage drop, the surgical stapling instrument 5 ( Figure 1-Figure 3 )'s electrical system may enter an undervoltage condition. The boost converter circuit 5510 may additionally boost the system voltage to maintain the voltage to the motors 5026, 5126 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5) of the desired voltage. The boost converter circuit 5510 can be very efficient under high load conditions.

[0124] For example, surgical stapling instrument 5 ( Figure 1-Figure 3 ) can be incorporated into the electrical system with only motors 5026, 5126 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) subsystem isolation. This prevents a voltage sag from being applied to the motor. By minimizing voltage sag, the circuits 5000, 5100 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) can supply more power to the motors 5026, 5126 based on the desired motor operating curve. The boost converter circuit 5510 can boost the nominal 12V system voltage to a higher voltage level.

[0125] Fig.18 5530 is a graph showing the efficiency (%) as a function of the output current (A) of the DC / DC boost regulator. Graph 5530 shows the efficiency (%) of the DC / DC boost regulator at different input voltages (V 输出 ) levels. The 5V input voltage 5536 is the least efficient. The 15V input voltage 5532 is more efficient than the 12V input voltage 5534.

[0126] Fig.19 5540 is a variable potentiometer according to the present disclosure. The variable potentiometer 5540 is connected to the serial interface circuit 5542 (e.g., I 2 C interface circuit) from the control circuit 5012, 5112 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) received input control. The received input controls the wipe register 5544 to control the potentiometer 5546 and change the resistance of the potentiometer 5546.

[0127] According to the present disclosure, the variable resistor 5540 can be controlled by the control circuits 5012, 5112 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) is adjusted in "real time" based on system performance. The variable potentiometer 5540 can be used as the first resistor 5520 (R SH ) and / or the second resistor 5522 (R SL )( Fig.17 The first resistor 5520 (R SH ) and / or the second resistor 5522 (R SL ) is then set by the control circuits 5012, 5112 to change the output voltage 5516 (V 输出 ) and thus set motors 5026, 5126 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) speed.

[0128] According to the present disclosure, the motor load feedback may be a measured parameter, and the first resistor 5520 (R SH ) and the second resistor 5522 (R SL )( Fig.17 ) may be based at least on the resistance value of motors 5026, 5126 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) is adjusted by the load on the resistor. Potentiometer 5546 can be a dynamic active resistor. A dynamic resistor changes resistance electronically.

[0129] According to the present disclosure, the control circuits 5012, 5112 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) can control the converter circuit to dynamically change the speed of the motor. In addition, the control circuit can switch between static boost circuits to change the speed of the motor. Converter circuits 5006a, 5006b, 5106a, 5106b, 5106c ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) and the specific implementation of the above-mentioned circuit can be controlled by the control circuit 5012, 5112 to reduce the applied voltage to the motor 5026, 5126 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) voltage.

[0130] Fig. 20 is the drain-to-source voltage (V DS ). For MOSFETs, IGBTs, and other transistors, moving these components out of their linear region as quickly as possible saves energy because the time the transistor spends conducting is all wasted or parasitic losses. Graph 5550 shows a first saturation region 5552 where the voltage is close to zero. The transistor is turned off in the first saturation region 5552. Graph 5550 also shows a second saturation region 5554 where the current is close to zero. The transistor is turned on in the second saturation region 5554. Graph 5550 also shows a linear region 5556.

[0131] Hard driving the transistor out of the linear region and quickly into the saturation region saves energy. In addition, the switching between the linear state and the saturation state can be completed as quickly as possible to minimize losses. Figure 5550 shows a hard turn-on curve 5558 and a hard turn-off curve 5559. Control circuit 5012, 5112 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) controls the speed at which the transistor switches between the linear and saturation states to minimize losses.

[0132] Fig.21is a graphical depiction of leakage current losses according to the present disclosure. Graph 5600 depicts current overshoot during a diode reverse recovery period. Graph 5600 shows voltage (V) as a function of time (t), where Q RR For the period t rr The reverse recovery charge 5602 on the integrated circuit. For example, operating the integrated circuit near or above the maximum operating temperature and / or voltage will increase the leakage current. Control circuit 5012, 5112 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) can control the operation of the integrated circuit to reduce the operating temperature based on the measured operating temperature. The temperature sensor can measure the operating temperature of the integrated circuit.

[0133] According to the present disclosure, the use of fast recovery diodes can improve switching losses, but increase conduction losses. In order to reduce losses, unused components of the entire electrical circuit should therefore be put into a sleep state or turned off. These small currents can add up to a substantial "parasitic" current draw of the power source. The reverse recovery diagram 5600 shows that the reverse recovery charge 5602 is based on the current and the required recovery time.

[0134] Fig. 22 5605 is a graph of a battery discharge curve 5610 according to the present disclosure. Graph 5605 depicts battery voltage (V) as a function of capacity (Ah). Battery discharge curve 5610 shows the voltage drop of the battery in ampere hours of use of the battery. Exponential region 5614 represents the exponential voltage drop of the battery from full voltage to the exponential voltage level. Nominal region 5612 represents the region where the voltage drops from the exponential voltage to the nominal voltage.

[0135] Now it will be Figure 1-Figure 5 and Fig.16 Let's describe it together Fig. 22 . According to the present disclosure, in order to maintain peak power to the motor system, maintaining a maximized potential voltage is a key parameter. As the battery capacity of the battery decreases, the battery voltage also tends to decrease. Therefore, the power applied to the motor is affected by the ampere-hours (Ah) that the battery has used. Motor power is the product of voltage and current. A reduction in battery voltage has a direct impact on the power that the system can supply to the motor.

[0136] For example, surgical stapling instrument 5 ( Figure 1-Figure 3 ) can use lithium batteries as its power source. These batteries have a capacity of about 1500 mAh, and each battery has a nominal voltage of 3V. A battery pack, such as battery pack 5502 ( Fig.16), capable of delivering all the power needed for up to 12 hours. The current setup requires about 50 mA to run. At 12 hours idle, the system consumed 50 mA x 12 hours = 600 mAh. This is equivalent to consuming 40% of the battery capacity in an idle or non-productive manner.

[0137] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , to minimize these losses, parasitic loss reduction and power management techniques are needed. As previously discussed, to reduce losses, unused components of the entire electrical circuit should therefore be put into a dormant state or turned off. These small currents can add up to a substantial "parasitic" draw on the power source. The circuit 5000, 5100 can include a power management circuit 5010, 5110. The circuit 5000, 5100 controls the power of the non-treatment tissue sensing circuit.

[0138] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the power management circuit 5010, 5110 can monitor sensors or circuit elements to determine when to turn on and off the surgical stapling instrument 5 ( Figure 1-Figure 3 ) and the circuit elements to be energized. The sensor can be at least one of a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a thermal sensor, a pressure sensor, or any other type of sensor to determine the activity of the surgical stapling instrument 5 or the timer for the surgical stapling instrument 5 has timed out after a predetermined amount of time without activity. The activity of the surgical stapling instrument 5 includes picking up the surgical stapling instrument 5. The activity is determined by the gyroscope or the accelerometer. The user's hand on the surgical stapling instrument 5 can be detected by a pressure sensor or a temperature sensor. The orientation of the surgical stapling instrument 5 can be determined by a gyroscope. The movement of the surgical stapling instrument 5 can be determined by an accelerometer. Therefore, any indication that the user will use the surgical stapling instrument 5 can be detected by a suitable sensor.

[0139] According to the present disclosure, under the control of the control circuit 5012, 5112, the power management circuit 5010, 5110 can engage or disengage unused electrical components. For example, when the device determines that activity has occurred, the power management circuit will engage the circuit components. The power management circuit couples the electrical components of the circuit to the power source to engage the surgical stapling instrument 5. When the surgical stapling instrument 5 determines that there is a lack of activity or that the activity has ended for a predetermined amount of time, the power management circuit 5010, 5110 disengages. Disengagement can be to cut off the connection between the unused electrical components and the power source.

[0140] According to the present disclosure, the end of the activity can be achieved by the surgical stapling instrument 5 ( Figure 1-Figure 3), the lack of movement of the surgical stapling instrument 5, the lack of the user's hand on the surgical stapling instrument 5, or any indication by the user of completion of the surgical stapling instrument 5. The power management circuit 5010, 5110 will disconnect the circuit components from the battery based on the determination that the activity has ended. Disconnection includes disconnecting the circuit components from the battery to prevent wear when not in use.

[0141] According to the present disclosure, the power management circuits 5010 and 5110 can be used in the operation of the surgical stapling instrument 5 ( Figure 1-Figure 3 ) when electrically disconnecting, cutting off or disconnecting circuit components that are not in use. The power management circuit 5010, 5110 can disconnect circuit components based on the voltage level of the power source and the load on the motor 5026, 5126.

[0142] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, the power management circuits 5010, 5110 can interact with external mechanisms or features to determine whether the surgical stapling instrument 5 ( Figure 1-Figure 3 ) activity. The power management circuit 5010, 5110 engages circuit components based on interaction with an external mechanism. For example, the power management circuit 5010, 5110 can interact with a trocar. The power management circuit 5010, 5110 engages circuit components that activate the surgical stapling instrument 5. For example, inserting the surgical stapling instrument 5 into the trocar turns the surgical stapling instrument 5 on, and removing the surgical stapling instrument 5 from the trocar turns the surgical stapling instrument 5 off or in an idle state.

[0143] According to the present disclosure, the surgical stapling instrument 5 ( Figure 1-Figure 3 ) can be characterized by the external features of the nail magazine 22 ( Figure 1 The power management circuits 5010 and 5110 determine that the staple cartridge 22 is inserted into the channel 21 of the surgical stapling instrument 5 ( Figure 1 ). The power management circuit 5010, 5110 engages the circuit components based on the insertion of the staple cartridge 22 into the channel 21. The power management circuit 5010, 5110 determines that the staple cartridge 22 is empty and disengages the circuit components based on this determination.

[0144] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, the external feature may be a device located in an operating room. The power management circuit 5010, 5110 determines the surgical stapling instrument 5 ( Figure 1-Figure 3 ) is located in the operating room or the second device is located in the operating room. Based on determining that the surgical stapling instrument 5 is located in the operating room or based on determining that the second device is located in the operating room, the power management circuit 5010, 5110 engages the circuit components. For example, the second device indicates that the surgical operation will begin. The second device can be another surgical stapling instrument similar to the surgical stapling instrument 5.

[0145] According to the present disclosure, the power management circuit 5010, 5110 can interact with an externally connected device via a wireless connection. The externally connected device informs the power management circuit 5010, 5110 about its status during the surgical procedure. In addition, the power management circuit 5010, 5110 can receive signals (e.g., ultrasound, monopolar RF, or bipolar RF, or any combination of ultrasound, monopolar RF energy, or bipolar RF energy) from an externally connected device coupled to a surgical hub or a surgical energy generator hub. Some of the received signals indicate that there will be a delay before the externally connected device is needed again, or that the service of the externally connected device during the operation is completed. The externally connected device can be partially or completely turned off based on the signal. Alternatively, the externally connected device can be partially or completely turned on by the signal. The engagement circuit component may include turning on the externally connected device or the surgical stapling instrument 5 ( Figure 1-Figure 3 ) and disconnected circuit components.

[0146] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the power management circuit 5010, 5110 can control the user interface. The power management circuit 5010, 5110 adjusts the brightness or contrast of the display portion of the surgical stapling instrument 5. For example, during the firing phase of the surgical stapling instrument 5, the power management circuit 5010, 5110 controls the display. According to the present disclosure, the user can not look at the display until the firing phase is completed. Therefore, during the firing phase, the display is turned off, and the display is turned on after the firing phase.

[0147] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the power management circuits 5010 and 5110 can be used in the surgical stapling instrument 5 ( Figure 1-Figure 3 ) is in a storage or transport package to disengage the circuit components. The power management circuit 5010, 5110 determines that the surgical stapling instrument 5 has been removed from the storage or transport package based on inputs received from various sensors. The power management circuit 5010, 5110 keeps the device in an idle or off state until after the storage or transport package is removed and the surgical stapling instrument 5 is initialized. The sensor can be a pressure sensor to detect a broken vacuum seal in the storage or transport package. The pressure sensor can also sense that the user is holding the surgical stapling instrument 5. The sensor can be a temperature sensor to detect that the user is holding the device. The switch on the surgical stapling instrument 5 can activate the surgical stapling instrument 5 for the first time and can initialize the surgical stapling instrument 5. Any other suitable sensor or method can be used to sense the removal of the surgical stapling instrument 5 from the storage or transport package.

[0148] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the power management circuits 5010 and 5110 can also control the power management of the communication system. The power management circuits 5010 and 5110 can control the data rate of the communication system. Figure 3)、5012( Figure 4 )、5112( Figure 5 ) adjusts the data rate based at least on the power level of the battery. The control circuit 100, 5012, 5112 is based at least on the power level of the battery connected to the surgical stapling instrument 5 ( Figure 1-Figure 3 ) hardware to adjust the data rate.

[0149] Additionally, according to the present disclosure, the power management circuit 5010, 5110 can disable the communication system based on detecting the absence of associated hardware in the operating room. The power management circuit 5010, 5110 determines the absence of hardware in the operating room based on: (1) no device is detected within the received signal strength indication link range, (2) no device acts as a readiness announcement beacon, and (3) the absence of audio-based communications, infrared IR-based communications, and RFID signals.

[0150] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the power management circuits 5050 and 5110 may not be the control circuit 100 ( Figure 3 )、5012( Figure 4 )、5112( Figure 5 ) part. The power management circuit 5010, 5110 can be based on the voltage level of the power source, the surgical stapling instrument 5 ( Figure 1-Figure 3 ) status, motors 5026, 5126 ( Figure 4-Figure 5 )'s desired power level and at least one of the circuit components to be used to selectively engage and disengage circuit components.

[0151] According to the present disclosure, the power management circuit 5010, 5110 can charge the supercapacitor. When additional power is needed to service the electrical system, the supercapacitor can deliver additional energy pulses to the system. The energy can be in burst mode of short duration.

[0152] Fig.23 5700 according to the disclosure. The supercapacitor charging circuit 5700 includes an adjustable regulator 5708 to charge the supercapacitor 5702. The adjustable regulator 5708 includes an input terminal 5704 receiving a first voltage level and an output terminal 5706 outputting a second voltage level to charge the supercapacitor 5702. The supercapacitor can be integrated into the H-bridge motor drive circuit 5720 (in Fig.24 .

[0153] For example, surgical stapling instrument 5 ( Figure 1-Figure 3 ) control circuit 100( Figure 3 )、5012( Figure 4 )、5112( Figure 5) Detecting the end effector 20 during the drive cycle of the surgical stapling instrument 5 ( Figure 1-Figure 3 ) anvil 24 and the thick dense tissue in the staple cartridge 22. The control circuit 100 can monitor the firing beam 60 ( Figure 1 ) to detect thick dense tissue. If the monitored parameters begin to drop below the minimum threshold for a successful drive cycle, the control circuit 100, 5012, 5112 triggers the inclusion of a charged supercapacitor 5702 into the control circuit 100, 5012, 5112. The energy stored in the supercapacitor 5702 is added to the power of the drive system to increase the output power level to above the standard level. The increased power provided by switching to the supercapacitor 5702 provides additional energy to the drive system to complete the drive cycle.

[0154] Fig.24 A motor drive circuit 5720 with a boost circuit connection according to the present disclosure is shown. Fig.24 As shown, the motor drive circuit 5720 can be an H-bridge. Other drive circuit implementations are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. The motor drive circuit 5720 controls a motor such as, for example, motors 5026, 5126 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) function. The motor is powered in forward operation by turning on the first transistor 5724 (Q1) and the second transistor 5730 (Q2) and turning off the third transistor 5726 (Q3) and the fourth transistor 5728 (Q4). The positive motor lead is connected between the first transistor 5724 (Q1) and the fourth transistor 5728 (Q4). The negative motor lead is connected between the second transistor 5730 (Q2) and the third transistor 5726 (Q3). The motor is powered in reverse operation by turning on the third transistor 5726 (Q3) and the fourth transistor 5728 (Q4) and turning off the first transistor 5724 (Q1) and the second transistor 5730 (Q2). The voltage applied to the motor is supplied by the power source 5736.

[0155] According to the present disclosure, a supercapacitor circuit ( Fig.23 ) can be coupled to the motor drive circuit 5720 through the switch 5722. The switch 5722 couples the motor drive circuit 5720 and the supercapacitor charging circuit 5700. When the switch 5722 is closed, the supercapacitor charging circuit 5700 provides additional power to the motor. When the switch 5722 is open, the motor is driven by the power source 5736.

[0156] Switch 5722 is controlled by control circuits 100, 5012, 5112 ( Figure 3-Figure 5) control. The control circuit 100, 5012, 5112 monitors any voltage sag of the power source 5736. The control circuit 100, 5012, 5112 determines that the voltage sag is greater than a predetermined threshold, and based on this determination, the control circuit 100, 5012, 5112 closes the switch 5722 to draw power from the supercapacitor 5702 ( Fig.23 ) to supply additional power.

[0157] According to the present disclosure, power boosting may also prevent a blackout condition of the electronic device due to a lack of sufficient power to the electronic device.

[0158] Fig.25 According to the present disclosure, a surgical suturing instrument 5 ( Figure 1-Figure 3 ) vibrations. The vibration circuit 5800 generates and stores power based on the vibrations of the surgical stapling instrument 5. The vibration circuit 5800 can harvest energy from the natural vibrations experienced by the surgical stapling instrument 5, and can store the energy for future use. The energy harvested from the vibrations of the surgical stapling instrument 5 can also be used to slowly charge an energy storage system (such as a capacitor, a rechargeable battery, etc.).

[0159] According to the present disclosure, the vibration circuit 5800 may include a piezoelectric material 5802 coupled between a first electrode 5804a and a second electrode 5804b. Under mechanical vibration, the piezoelectric material 5802 generates an alternating voltage across the first electrode 5804a and the second electrode 5804b. The vibration circuit 5800 also includes a rectifier 5806 that converts the AC voltage into a DC output voltage. The vibration circuit 5800 also includes a filter capacitor 5808. The vibration circuit 5800 also includes a regulator 5810 to maintain a fixed output voltage regardless of the input voltage or load conditions. The voltage at the output of the regulator 5810 can be used to store the capacitor 5812 (C 存储 ) to charge or charge rechargeable battery 5814.

[0160] The collected power is stored and can be used by the surgical stapling instrument 5 ( Figure 1-Figure 3 ) is released. For example, control circuits 100, 5012, 5112 ( Figure 3 -5) Determine that the desired voltage to the motor is less than the voltage received by the motor. The control circuit 100, 5012, 5112 releases the stored power in the vibration circuit 5800 based on this determination.

[0161] Fig.26 and Fig. 27 According to the present disclosure, a surgical suturing instrument ( Figure 1-Figure 3 ) of a drive shaft 5902 (such as, for example, drive shaft 40 ( Figure 1 and Figure 3))'s motion-harvesting power circuit 5900.

[0162] Fig. 27 FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the energy harvesting inductor 5904 showing the coil 5914 surrounding the drive shaft 5902. Fig.26 As shown, the inductor 5904 can be formed by surrounding the drive shaft 5902 with a coil 5914. When the drive shaft 5902 moves back and forth with each firing cycle of the surgical stapling instrument 5, current is in the inductor 5904.

[0163] According to the present disclosure, the circuit 5900 can store energy in the inductor 5904 for future extraction. The harvested energy is stored in the inductor 5904, and if and when the surgical stapling instrument 5 ( Figure 1-Figure 3 ) is released when needed. For example, control circuits 100, 5012, 5112 ( Figure 3 - 5) Determine that the desired voltage to the motor is less than the voltage received by the motor. Therefore, the control circuit 100, 5012, 5112 releases the energy stored in the circuit 5900 based on this determination.

[0164] Fig.28 Graph 5920 shows the additional energy applied to the system from circuit 5900 in accordance with the present disclosure. Graph 5920 shows Figure 26-Figure 27 5902. The first voltage profile 5924 shows the voltage when the motor system requires additional energy. The second voltage profile 5926 shows the voltage when the motor does not require additional energy. When the output voltage is lower than the desired voltage of the motor, additional energy is required.

[0165] According to the present disclosure, the control circuit 100, 5012, 5112 ( Figure 3-Figure 5 ) can separate different battery subsystems from the rest of the circuit components so that the subsystem can be used as an auxiliary pulse power source.

[0166] According to the present disclosure, a higher performance battery pack can be used during an overstress firing condition. For example, a battery cell is at 3.0 volts, while other battery cells of the same size are at 3.3 volts to 3.8 volts. Using four battery cells with a 0.3 volt to 0.8 volt increase increases the total voltage by 1.2 volts to 3.2 volts (an increase of 10% to 26%). Due to the increased initial voltage, the battery system will have a longer life.

[0167] Embodiments of the apparatus and method according to the present disclosure are provided in the following numbered clauses. An aspect of the apparatus or method may include any one or more than one of the following numbered clauses and any combination thereof:

[0168] Example 1 - A surgical instrument comprising a motor (5026, 5126), a regulator (5004, 5104), a converter circuit (5006a, 5006b, 5106a, 5106b, 5106c), and a control circuit (100, 5012, 5112) coupled to the regulator and the converter circuit, wherein the control circuit is used to couple either the regulator or the converter circuit based on a predetermined voltage load or a predetermined current load applied to the motor.

[0169] Example 2 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1, wherein the converter circuit is a boost converter circuit.

[0170] Example 3 - A surgical instrument as described in Example 2, wherein the boost converter circuit is coupled based on the voltage load at the motor exceeding the predetermined voltage load.

[0171] Example 4 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 2 to 3, wherein the control circuit is used to: determine a voltage sag at the motor and couple the boost converter circuit to the motor.

[0172] Example 5 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1, wherein the converter circuit is a buck converter circuit.

[0173] Example 6 - A surgical instrument according to any of Example 5, wherein the buck converter circuit is coupled based on the current exceeding the predetermined current load.

[0174] Example 7 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the regulator is a low dropout (LDO) regulator, and wherein the control circuit is used to couple the motor to the LDO regulator based on the voltage load of the motor being lower than the predetermined voltage load.

[0175] Example 8 - According to any one of Examples 1 to 7, the surgical instrument also includes at least another converter circuit, wherein the converter circuit and the at least another converter circuit are configured to be able to supply power to the motor under different load conditions.

[0176] Example 9 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the control circuit (5010, 5110) includes a plurality of electrical components, wherein the control circuit is coupled to a power supply, and wherein the control circuit is used to: determine unused electrical components among the plurality of electrical components, and cut off the connection between the unused electrical components and the power supply based on the fact that the electrical components are not in use.

[0177] Example 10 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the control circuit includes a power management circuit (100, 5012, 5112) to: determine a time period that has passed since a previous activity; and determine that the time period that has passed since the previous activity is greater than a predetermined time period; and shut off power to the surgical instrument based on the determination.

[0178] Example 11 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the control circuit is used to: determine that the surgical instrument has been inserted into a surgical site; and turn on the power of the surgical instrument based on the determination that the surgical instrument has been inserted into the surgical site.

[0179] Example 12 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 7 to 11, wherein the control circuit is used to: determine that the surgical instrument has been removed from the surgical site; and shut off the power supply of the surgical instrument based on the determination that the surgical instrument has been removed from the surgical site.

[0180] Example 13 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 7 to 12, wherein the control circuit is used to: determine that the surgical instrument is separated from the packaging, and turn on the power of the surgical instrument.

[0181] Example 14 - The surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, further comprising: a power source, an accumulator, and wherein the control circuit is coupled to the power source and the accumulator, wherein the control circuit is used to: charge the accumulator; determine that a parameter is below a threshold; and release power from the accumulator to increase the power output of the power source based on the parameter being below the threshold.

[0182] Example 15 - A surgical instrument according to Example 14, wherein the accumulator includes at least one of the following: an inductor, which is coiled around the drive rod to collect energy from the oscillating motion of the drive rod and store the collected energy in the inductor; or a boost circuit, which includes a variable resistor or a potentiometer to adjust the output voltage of the boost circuit.

[0183] Example 16 - A surgical instrument comprising a motor, a regulator, a converter circuit, and a control circuit coupled to the regulator and the converter circuit. The control circuit is used to couple either the regulator or the converter circuit based on a predetermined load voltage or current applied to the motor.

[0184] Example 17 - A surgical instrument according to Example 16, wherein the converter circuit is a boost converter circuit.

[0185] Example 18 - A surgical instrument as described in Example 17, wherein the boost converter circuit is coupled based on the voltage load at the motor exceeding the predetermined voltage load.

[0186] Example 19 - A surgical instrument according to Example 17, wherein the control circuit is used to determine a voltage sag at the motor and couple the boost converter circuit to the motor.

[0187] Example 20 - A surgical instrument according to any of Example 16, wherein the converter circuit is a buck converter circuit.

[0188] Example 21 - A surgical instrument as described in Example 20, wherein the buck converter circuit is coupled based on the current exceeding the predetermined current load.

[0189] Example 22 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 16 to 21, wherein the control circuit is used to disconnect the control electronics from the power source.

[0190] Example 23 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 16 to 22, wherein the regulator is a low dropout (LDO) regulator, and wherein the control circuit is used to couple the motor to the LDO regulator based on the voltage load of the motor being lower than the predetermined voltage load.

[0191] Example 24 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 16 to 23, wherein the surgical instrument also includes at least another converter circuit, wherein the converter circuit and the at least another converter circuit are configured to be capable of supplying power to the motor under different load conditions.

[0192] Embodiment 25 - A surgical instrument comprising a power source and a control circuit, the control circuit comprising a plurality of electrical components. The control circuit is coupled to the power source. The control circuit is configured to determine an unused electrical component among the plurality of electrical components and to disconnect the unused electrical component from the power source based on the electrical component not being used.

[0193] Example 26 - A surgical instrument according to Example 25, wherein the control circuit is used to determine that a predetermined period of time has passed since a previous activity and to shut off power to the surgical instrument.

[0194] Example 27 - A surgical instrument according to Example 26, wherein the previous activity is based on a signal received by the control circuit from one of a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a thermal sensor, or a pressure sensor.

[0195] Example 28 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 25 to 26, wherein the control circuit includes a power management circuit to: determine a period of time that has elapsed since a previous activity; and determine that the period of time that has elapsed since the previous activity is greater than the predetermined period of time; and shut off power to the surgical instrument.

[0196] Example 29 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 24 to 28, wherein the control circuit is used to: determine that the surgical instrument has been inserted into the surgical site, and turn on the power of the surgical instrument based on the determination that the surgical instrument has been inserted into the surgical site.

[0197] Example 30 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 24 to 29, wherein the control circuit is used to: determine that the surgical instrument has been removed from the surgical site; and turn off the power supply of the surgical instrument based on the determination that the surgical instrument has been removed from the surgical site.

[0198] Example 31 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 24 to 30, wherein the control circuit is used to: determine that the surgical instrument is separated from the packaging; and turn on the power of the surgical instrument.

[0199] Example 32 - A surgical instrument comprising: a power supply, an accumulator, and a control circuit coupled to the power supply and the accumulator, wherein the control circuit is used to: charge the accumulator, determine that a parameter is below a threshold, and release power from the accumulator to increase the power output of the power supply based on the parameter being below the threshold.

[0200] Example 33 - A surgical instrument according to Example 32, wherein the accumulator is a vibration system that collects power from the vibration of the surgical instrument, and the vibration system includes: a first electrode, a second electrode, and a piezoelectric material arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0201] Example 34 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 32 to 33, wherein the accumulator includes an inductor that is coiled around the drive rod to harvest energy from the oscillating motion of the drive rod and store the harvested energy in the inductor.

[0202] Example 35 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 32 to 34, wherein the accumulator is a boost circuit, and the boost circuit includes a variable resistor to adjust the output voltage of the boost circuit.

[0203] The above detailed description has been described in various forms of systems and / or methods using block diagrams, flow charts and / or examples. As long as such block diagrams, flow charts and / or examples contain one or more functions and / or operations, those skilled in the art will understand that each function and / or operation in such block diagrams, flow charts and / or examples can be implemented individually and / or collectively by a variety of hardware, software, firmware or any combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of the forms disclosed herein can be implemented equivalently in integrated circuits as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as any combination thereof, in whole or in part, and according to the present disclosure, designing circuits and / or writing software and / or hardware codes will be within the technical scope of those skilled in the art. In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein can be distributed as one or more program products in a variety of forms, and the illustrative forms of the subject matter described herein are applicable, regardless of the specific type of signal-bearing medium used to actually distribute.

[0204] Instructions for programming logic to perform various disclosed aspects may be stored in a memory in the system, such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a cache, a flash memory, or other memory. In addition, the instructions may be distributed via a network or by other computer-readable media. Therefore, a machine-readable medium may include any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a machine (e.g., computer) readable form, but is not limited to a floppy disk, an optical disk, a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), and a magneto-optical disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a magnetic card or an optical card, a flash memory, or a tangible, machine-readable storage device used when transmitting information on the Internet via an electrical signal, an optical signal, an acoustic signal, or other form of propagation signal (e.g., a carrier wave, an infrared signal, a digital signal, etc.). Therefore, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes any type of tangible machine-readable medium suitable for storing or transmitting electronic instructions or information in a machine (e.g., computer) readable form.

[0205] Any software component or function described in this application can be implemented as a software code executed by a processor using any suitable computer language (such as, for example, Python, Java, C++, or Perl) using, for example, conventional or object-oriented techniques. The software code can be stored as a series of instructions or commands on a computer-readable medium such as RAM, ROM, magnetic media (such as a hard drive or floppy disk), or optical media (such as a CD-ROM). Any such computer-readable medium can reside on or within a single computing device, and can exist on or within different computing devices within a system or network.

[0206] As used in any aspect of this document, the term "logic" may refer to an application, software, firmware, and / or circuitry configured to perform any of the foregoing operations. Software may be embodied as a software package, code, instructions, instruction sets, and / or data recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Firmware may be embodied as code, instructions, instruction sets, and / or data hard-coded (e.g., non-volatile) in a memory device.

[0207] As used in any aspect of this document, the terms "component," "system," "module" and the like may refer to a computer-related entity, hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution.

[0208] As used in any aspect herein, an "algorithm" refers to a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result, wherein the "steps" refer to manipulations of physical quantities and / or logical states which may (but need not) take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. References to such signals are often made to bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, and the like. These and similar terms may be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to such quantities and / or states.

[0209] The network may include a packet switching network. The communication devices may be able to communicate with each other using the selected packet switching network communication protocol. An exemplary communication protocol may include an Ethernet communication protocol that can allow communication using a transmission control protocol / Internet protocol (TCP / IP). The Ethernet protocol may comply with or be compatible with the Ethernet standard named "IEEE 802.3 Standard" issued by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in December 2008 and / or a higher version of this standard. Alternatively or additionally, the communication devices may be able to communicate with each other using the X.25 communication protocol. The X.25 communication protocol may comply with or be compatible with the standard issued by the International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T). Alternatively or additionally, the communication devices may be able to communicate with each other using the frame relay communication protocol. The frame relay communication protocol may comply with or be compatible with the standard issued by the International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee (CCITT) and / or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Alternatively or additionally, the transceivers may be able to communicate with each other using the asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) communication protocol. The ATM communication protocol may conform to or be compatible with the ATM standard entitled "ATM-MPLS Network Interworking 2.0" published by the ATM Forum in August 2001 and / or later versions of the standard. Of course, different and / or later developed connection-oriented network communication protocols are also contemplated herein.

[0210] Unless expressly stated otherwise as is apparent from the foregoing disclosure, it is to be understood that throughout this disclosure, discussions using terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining," "displaying," and the like refer to the actions and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulates data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories and transforms it into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system's memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices.

[0211] One or more components may be referred to herein as being "configured to be able to", "configured to be able to", "configurable to be able to", "operable / operably", "suitable / adaptable to", "able to", "conformable / conformable to", etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, unless the context indicates otherwise, "configured to be able to" may generally cover components in an active state and / or components in an inactive state and / or components in a standby state.

[0212] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in general, the terms used herein, and in particular in the appended claims (e.g., the body of the appended claims), are generally intended to be "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to", the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least", the term "comprising" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to", etc.). Those skilled in the art will also understand that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such intent will be explicitly stated in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present. For example, to aid understanding, the following appended claims may contain use of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more than one" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as implying that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more than one" or "at least one" and an indefinite article such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should generally be interpreted as meaning "at least one" or "one or more than one"); this also applies to the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. The singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0213] In addition, even if a specific number of claim recitations is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should generally be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., a bare recitation of "two recitations" without other modifiers generally means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). In addition, in those cases where a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, generally, such construction is intended to have the meaning that those skilled in the art will understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" will include, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those cases where a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, generally, such construction is intended to have the meaning that those skilled in the art will understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" will include, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). Those skilled in the art will also understand that, generally, unless the context indicates otherwise, transitional words and / or phrases presenting two or more alternative terms in the detailed description, claims, or drawings should be understood to include the possibility of including one of the terms, any one of the terms, or both of the terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will generally be understood to include the possibility of "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0214] For the appended claims, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operations described therein may generally be performed in any order. In addition, although various operational flow charts are presented in one or more sequences, it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than the order shown, or the various operations may be performed simultaneously. Unless the context otherwise dictates, examples of such alternative orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplementary, simultaneous, reverse, or other altered orderings. In addition, unless the context otherwise dictates, terms such as "responsive to," "related to," or other past tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variants.

[0215] It is worth mentioning that any reference to "one aspect", "an aspect", "an example", or "an example" means that the specific features, structures, or characteristics described in conjunction with the aspect are included in at least one aspect. Therefore, the phrases "in one aspect", "in an aspect", "in an example", or "in an example" appearing in various places throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same aspect. In addition, specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

[0216] Any patent application, patent, non-patent publication or other public material referred to in this specification and / or listed in any Application Data Sheet is incorporated herein by reference to the extent that the incorporated material is inconsistent herewith. Therefore, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure expressly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material or portion thereof that is alleged to be incorporated herein by reference but conflicts with existing definitions, statements or other public material listed herein will be incorporated only to the extent that there is no conflict between the incorporated material and the existing public material. None is admitted to be prior art.

[0217] In summary, many of the benefits resulting from the use of the concepts described herein have been described. For purposes of illustration and description, one or more of the above specific embodiments have been provided. These specific embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise forms disclosed by the invention. The invention may be modified or varied in accordance with the above teachings. The one or more forms selected and described are intended to illustrate the principles and practical applications so that one of ordinary skill in the art can utilize various forms and various modifications suitable for the intended specific use. The claims submitted herewith are intended to define the full scope.

[0218] It is noted that any reference signs included in the appended claims are used to reference exemplary embodiments / elements described in the present disclosure. Therefore, any such reference signs are not meant to limit the scope of the subject matter recited in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A surgical instrument comprising: Motor (5026, 5126); Regulator(5004,5104); Converter circuit (5006a, 5006b, 5106a, 5106b, 5106c); as well as A control circuit (100, 5012, 5112), the control circuit being coupled to the regulator and the converter circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured to: Either the regulator or the converter circuit is coupled based on a predetermined voltage load or a predetermined current load applied to the motor.

2. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein: The converter circuit is a boost converter circuit.

3. The surgical instrument according to claim 2, wherein: The boost converter circuit is coupled based on a voltage load at the motor exceeding the predetermined voltage load.

4. The surgical instrument according to claim 2, wherein: The control circuit is used for: determining a voltage sag at the motor; and The boost converter circuit is coupled to the motor.

5. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein: The converter circuit is a buck converter circuit.

6. The surgical instrument according to claim 5, wherein: The buck converter circuit is coupled based on the current exceeding the predetermined current load.

7. The surgical instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The regulator is a low dropout (LDO) regulator, and wherein the control circuit is configured to couple the motor to the LDO regulator based on the voltage load of the motor being lower than the predetermined voltage load.

8. The surgical instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising at least one further converter circuit, wherein: The converter circuit and the at least one other converter circuit are configured to be capable of supplying power to the motor for different load conditions.

9. The surgical instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The control circuit (5010, 5110) comprises a plurality of electrical components, wherein the control circuit is coupled to a power source, and wherein the control circuit is configured to: determining unused electrical components among the plurality of electrical components; and The connection between the unused electrical component and the power source is cut off based on the fact that the electrical component is not used.

10. The surgical instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The control circuit includes a power management circuit (100, 5012, 5112) to: Determine the period of time that has elapsed since the previous activity; and determining that the period of time that has elapsed since the previous activity is greater than a predetermined period of time; and Power to the surgical instrument is shut off based on the determination.

11. The surgical instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The control circuit is used for: determining that the surgical instrument has been inserted into the surgical site; and Power to the surgical instrument is turned on based on a determination that the surgical instrument is inserted into the surgical site.

12. The surgical instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The control circuit is used for: determining that the surgical instrument has been removed from the surgical site; and Power to the surgical instrument is shut off based on a determination that the surgical instrument is removed from the surgical site.

13. The surgical instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The control circuit is used for: determining that the surgical instrument is separated from the packaging; and Turn on the power of the surgical instrument.

14. The surgical instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising: Power(5002,5102); Accumulator; and The control circuit (100, 5012, 5112) is coupled to the power supply and the energy storage device, wherein the control circuit is used to: charging the energy accumulator; determining that the parameter is below a threshold; and Power is released from the accumulator to increase power output of the power source based on the parameter being below the threshold.

15. The surgical instrument of claim 14, wherein: The accumulator includes at least one of the following: an inductor (5904) coiled around the drive shaft (5902) to harvest energy from the oscillatory motion of the drive shaft and store the harvested energy in the inductor; or A boost circuit (5510) comprising a variable resistor or potentiometer (5540) to adjust the output voltage of the boost circuit.

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