Adjustable Length Laparoscopic Instrument with Planetary Gear Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laparoscopic instruments with fixed shaft lengths pose ergonomic challenges for surgeons, increase patient trauma due to multiple access ports, and complicate procedures with frequent instrument changes, while also incurring high administrative and storage costs for maintaining multiple SKU lengths.
Innovation Solution
Development of adjustable length laparoscopic instruments featuring a shaft with a length adjustment mechanism, allowing the user to customize the instrument's length between the handle and the distal end, utilizing a planetary gear mechanism to enable longitudinal translation of the actuation rod and shaft relative to the handle, facilitating ergonomic positioning and reducing the need for multiple instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed shaft length is used for laparoscopic instruments, then the instrument structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ergonomics deteriorate when the distance between the trocar and the intended site of tissue manipulation varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the shaft length adjustable rather than fixed. The shaft can be extended or retracted to different lengths depending on the procedural needs, allowing the instrument to adapt dynamically to varying distances between the trocar and the tissue manipulation site. This resolves the contradiction by enabling ergonomic operation across different scenarios while managing complexity through a controlled adjustment mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If multiple access ports are used to reach tissue at various locations, then the ergonomics improve, but the patient trauma increases due to additional scarring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by creating a single laparoscopic instrument with adjustable shaft length that can perform multiple functions. By varying the shaft length, the same instrument can reach different tissue locations within the patient, eliminating the need for multiple access ports. This resolves the contradiction by providing ergonomic operation for various tissue locations while minimizing patient trauma through reduced scarring.
3Ease of operation
If instruments with different set shaft lengths are stocked, then the ergonomics improve for different patient sizes, but the administrative costs and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a single instrument platform that can accommodate multiple shaft lengths through adjustment mechanisms. Instead of maintaining separate stock for each shaft length, hospitals can stock a universal instrument that adapts to different procedural needs. This resolves the contradiction by providing ergonomic options for different patient sizes while significantly reducing the number of SKUs and associated administrative and storage costs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the shaft length is extended to reach distant tissue locations, then the versatility improves, but the ergonomics deteriorate when the shaft needs to be withdrawn towards the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the shaft length to be adjusted during the procedure. When distant tissue locations need to be reached, the shaft can be extended. When the shaft needs to be withdrawn for better user control or visualization, the shaft can be retracted. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by providing both extended reach capability and maintained ergonomics throughout the procedure.
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
The adjustable length mechanism enhances ergonomics, reduces patient trauma by minimizing access ports, shortens operating time, and decreases administrative and storage costs by eliminating the need for multiple instrument lengths, thereby simplifying procedures and optimizing instrument usage.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a planetary gear mechanism to enable longitudinal translation of the actuation rod and shaft relative to the handle
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable length laparoscopic instrument is provided. The instrument includes a shaft with a shaft distal end and a shaft proximal end. The instrument further includes an actuation rod with an actuation rode distal end and an actuation rod proximal end. The actuation rod is receivable by the shaft such that the actuation rod can translate longitudinally relative to the shaft to actuate an end effector. The instrument further includes a handle configured to hold the shaft and the actuation rod. The handle is configured to cause the actuation rod to translate longitudinally relative to the shaft to actuate the end effector. The instrument further includes a length adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a shaft length. The shaft length is defined between the handle and the shaft distal end.