Adapter Assembly Rotary-to-Linear Motion Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical end effectors driven by linear force are not compatible with powered surgical devices that use rotary motion, requiring adapters to convert rotary motion to linear force, which often necessitate higher rotary motor torque and non-axial output force.
Innovation Solution
An adapter assembly with a transmission system that includes a proximal rotation receiving member, a distal force transmitting member, and a bearing assembly, allowing axial movement in response to rotational motion, reducing the required rotary motor torque for generating linear force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a gear assembly with low gear ratio is used in the adapter, then the device complexity is reduced, but the required input torque increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly introduces a rotary-to-linear converting assembly as an intermediary mechanism between the rotary drive shaft and the linear-driven end effector. This converting assembly includes a bearing assembly that rotates about the drive shaft and converts rotary motion into linear motion, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for complex gear assemblies while maintaining efficient torque transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical gear assembly with a bearing-based rotary-to-linear converting mechanism. Instead of using gears to convert rotary motion to linear motion, the invention uses a bearing assembly where rotational movement directly translates to linear displacement through the bearing's structural design, simplifying the transmission system and reducing input torque requirements
2Ease of operation
If the output force is not axial to the load, then the ease of operation is improved, but the required input torque increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly is designed to be axially movable along the drive shaft, creating a dynamic system where the linear-driven end effector's movement is directly coupled to the rotational movement of the bearing. This dynamic configuration ensures that the output force remains axial to the load throughout the operation, maintaining mechanical efficiency while enabling easy operation of the end effector
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary motion to linear motion converting assembly is added, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is designed with universal compatibility features, allowing it to interface with different types of surgical devices and end effectors. The rotary-to-linear converting assembly can accommodate various drive shaft configurations and end effector types, making the adapter a multi-functional component that bridges rotary-driven and linear-driven systems without requiring device-specific designs
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient interconnection of surgical loading units with rotary-driven surgical devices, reducing the torque needed to generate linear force and ensuring axial alignment, thus enhancing compatibility and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing assembly is axially movable along the at least one pin in response to rotational motion of the proximal rotation receiving member thereby axially moving the distal force transmitting member
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an adapter assembly for electrically and mechanically interconnecting electromechanical surgical devices and surgical loading units. The adapter assembly includes an articulation assembly having a rotatable drive shaft having a proximal end rotatable by a surgical device and a distal end having a gear with external teeth, a gear nut including external gear teeth meshingly engaged with the external teeth of the gear, a screw disposed within the gear nut and including external threads engaged with internal threads of the gear nut such that the screw is axially moveable relative to the gear nut, and an articulation bar operably coupled to the screw such that axial movement of the screw results in corresponding axial movement of the articulation bar.