Angled Rotary Interface Joint for Laparoscopic Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgical procedures face challenges in maintaining the stability and range of articulation of surgical instruments, leading to potential failure or slipping of articulating means due to tissue resistance, which limits access and efficiency during surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A surgical apparatus featuring an endoscopic portion with a first and second segment connected by an angled rotary interface joint, including beveled gears and an angled gear, which provides enhanced stability and articulation range by distributing resistance and preventing slipping, allowing for efficient operation and reduced reversal of articulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If articulation capabilities are provided in endoscopic instruments, then the range of motion and access to difficult-to-reach tissues is improved, but the stability and reliability of the articulating means deteriorates due to tissue resistance causing failure, slipping, or reversal
Solution Approach 1:
A ratchet mechanism acts as an intermediary between the articulating segments, allowing motion in one direction while preventing reversal. The ratchet teeth engage with corresponding slots to permit articulation when force is applied but lock the position when force is removed, preventing tissue resistance from causing reversal or slipping.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating capability is extracted as a separate functional module (the angled rotary interface joint with ratchet mechanism) that can be independently controlled and maintained. This separation allows the articulation function to be optimized for range of motion while the ratchet mechanism independently provides stability and prevents failure.
2Reliability
If force is applied to maintain articulation against tissue resistance, then the stability of the articulated configuration is improved, but the surgeon's hands are occupied and cannot be freed for other surgical activities
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism provides self-locking capability that maintains the articulated configuration without requiring continuous external force or surgeon intervention. Once the desired articulation angle is achieved, the ratchet teeth automatically engage to hold the position, freeing the surgeon's hands for other surgical tasks while maintaining stability against tissue resistance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the articulating means is designed to provide maximum range of motion, then access to difficult-to-reach tissues is improved, but the likelihood of failure or slipping increases due to reduced stability
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism serves as an intermediary that decouples the range of motion capability from the stability requirement. The articulated segments can achieve maximum range of motion for accessing difficult tissues, while the ratchet mechanism independently provides anti-backlash and anti-slipping functionality by preventing reverse motion caused by tissue resistance.
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 apparatus enhances the stability and range of articulation, reducing the likelihood of failure and reversal, thereby improving surgical efficiency and access to difficult-to-reach body tissues, while allowing the surgeon's hands to be freed for other tasks.
Implementation Method 1
The first segment includes a first proximal end portion operatively connected to the non-endoscopic portion and a first distal end portion having a first beveled gear and a second beveled gear positioned therein. The second beveled gear is positioned between the first beveled gear and an angled gear affixed on a second proximal end portion of the second segment.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical apparatus is described herein including an articulating segmented endoscopic portion including at least two segments connected by an angled rotary interface.