Adapter Assembly Rotary to Linear Motion Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments with powered handle assemblies that use rotary motion cannot directly operate end effectors designed for linear driving forces, necessitating a conversion mechanism to facilitate compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a power pack and adapter assembly that converts rotational motion from the handle assembly into linear motion, utilizing a drive shaft and drive members to actuate the end effector, allowing for the transfer of motion through a series of gears and mechanisms within the outer shell housing and adapter assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a powered handle assembly uses rotary motion to deliver power, then the power delivery mechanism is simplified and more efficient, but it cannot directly operate end effectors that require linear driving forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter assembly as an intermediary component between the rotary-powered handle assembly and the linear-driven end effector. The adapter contains a rotary-to-linear conversion mechanism (such as a lead screw or rack and pinion) that receives rotary motion from the drive shaft and converts it to linear motion to drive the end effector. This mediator resolves the incompatibility between rotary power delivery and linear actuation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a reusable powered handle assembly that generates rotary motion, a detachable adapter assembly that performs motion conversion, and a disposable end effector that requires linear actuation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system compatibility through standardized interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adapters are used to convert rotary motion to linear motion, then compatibility between handle assemblies and end effectors is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides the rotary-to-linear motion conversion mechanism, serves as the mechanical interface between the handle and end effector, and includes mounting structures for securing the end effector. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies assembly compared to using multiple discrete components.
3Reliability
If the outer shell housing selectively encases the power pack, then protection and organization are improved, but the ease of assembly and disassembly may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shell housing is designed with a dynamic opening and closing mechanism that allows it to transition between an open configuration for easy insertion/removal of the power pack and a closed configuration for protection and structural integrity. This dynamic design enables the housing to provide protection during operation while facilitating easy assembly and disassembly when needed.
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 the operation of end effectors with linear driving requirements using powered handle assemblies that provide rotary motion, enhancing the versatility and compatibility of surgical instruments for various procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The power pack includes a motor and a drive shaft coupled to and rotatable by the motor
Implementation Method 2
The first drive member may be a lead screw. The second drive member may be an elongated nut threadingly engaged to the lead screw such that rotation of the lead screw translates the second drive member therealong
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a power pack, an outer shell housing configured to selectively encase the power pack, and an adapter assembly configured to selectively couple the outer shell housing to a loading unit. The outer shell housing includes a motor and a drive shaft coupled to and rotatable by the motor. The outer shell housing includes a drive member supported in a distal portion thereof. The drive member is configured to selectively couple to the drive shaft. The adapter assembly has a drive member supported in its proximal end. The drive member of the adapter assembly is configured to selectively couple to the drive member of the outer shell housing such that rotation of the drive shaft actuates movement of the drive member of the adapter assembly via the drive member of the outer shell housing.