Adjustable Tip Protector for Robotic Surgical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tip protectors for surgical instruments in robotic surgery do not allow for efficient exposure and protection of the instrument tip without repositioning the instrument within the operatory volume, and they fail to effectively constrain the degrees of freedom of the articulated tip, leading to potential damage and reduced instrument lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A tip protector with a repositionable design that includes a tip housing with adjustable distal openings and abutment surfaces to constrain the articulated instrument tip, allowing for selective exposure and protection while maintaining the instrument's position within the operatory volume, and transferring mechanical loads to the shaft to prevent overloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tip protector is used to protect the articulated instrument tip, then the reliability and lifespan of the surgical instrument is improved, but the complexity of the device increases due to additional components and attachment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The tip protector is designed as a separate, detachable component that can be independently attached to and removed from the surgical instrument shaft. This segmentation allows the protection function to be added without permanently increasing the complexity of the base instrument, and enables easy sterilization and replacement of the protector without affecting the main instrument.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip protector is designed to fit over the shaft of the surgical instrument, with the protector containing the shaft. This nested configuration allows the protection mechanism to be integrated into the existing instrument structure without requiring separate mounting systems, thereby minimizing the increase in overall device complexity while maintaining reliable protection.
2Reliability
If the tip protector is designed to fully enclose the instrument tip, then the protection against damage is improved, but the ability to expose the tip for surgical operation requires repositioning the instrument which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The tip protector incorporates a movable barrier element that can be dynamically positioned between the enclosed protective state and the exposed operational state. This dynamic mechanism allows the tip to be quickly exposed for surgical procedures without requiring repositioning of the entire instrument, and can be actuated through simple mechanisms such as sliding, rotating, or hinging motions that maintain protection when closed.
3Reliability
If the tip protector fully constrains the articulated tip, then the protection from unwanted movement is improved, but the degrees of freedom needed for surgical manipulation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tip protector is designed to provide differential constraint characteristics: when in the closed protective position, it fully constrains the articulated tip to prevent damage; when in the open operational position, it selectively allows specific degrees of freedom while maintaining constraint in other directions. This local quality variation enables the same structure to provide both maximum protection and appropriate mobility depending on its state.
Data Source
AI summary
A tip protector, for a surgical instrument having a shaft and an instrument tip near a distal portion of the shaft, includes a tip housing for releasably receiving the instrument tip; a clamp system suitable for gripping a portion of the surgical instrument to position the tip protector; and a distal through opening at or near the distal end of the tip housing. The distal through opening has an opening size that is adjustable.