Anti-Buckling Beam Actuation for Small Endoscopic Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic surgical instruments face challenges in reducing envelope diameter while maintaining functionality, as actuation forces can cause mechanisms to buckle or break, necessitating a solution to support actuation mechanisms effectively.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a beam supported by movable bearings and rails that minimize friction and prevent buckling, allowing for a smaller instrument profile by transferring actuation forces efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the envelope diameter of surgical instruments is reduced, then the instrument profile is improved, but the actuation forces can cause mechanisms to buckle or break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic beam mechanism that can flex and bend during actuation rather than relying on rigid structures. The beam is designed to dynamically adapt its shape during operation, allowing it to flex under load without buckling, thereby maintaining reliability in a compact instrument with reduced envelope diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the actuation mechanism by using a flexible beam with specific material properties and geometric characteristics. The beam's flexibility parameter is optimized to allow bending without buckling, enabling the instrument to maintain small dimensions while preventing mechanism failure under actuation forces.
2Volume of moving object
If the envelope diameter of surgical instruments is reduced, then the instrument profile is improved, but the actuation forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic beam mechanism allows the actuation force to be distributed and managed through controlled flexing rather than concentrated rigid transmission. The beam's ability to dynamically change shape during actuation reduces peak forces and prevents mechanism failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible beam structure that can bend and flex under actuation forces. This flexible element replaces rigid mechanical linkages, allowing the instrument to maintain a small envelope diameter while the flexible beam absorbs and manages the actuation forces through elastic deformation.
3Device complexity
If rigid actuation mechanisms are used in small instruments, then the structure is simple, but the mechanisms buckle or break under actuation forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex rigid mechanical linkages with a single flexible beam element. This flexible beam serves multiple functions: transmitting actuation force, accommodating dimensional constraints, and preventing buckling through controlled flexing. The solution maintains relative structural simplicity while dramatically improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes traditional rigid mechanical actuation mechanisms with a flexible beam-based system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex rigid linkages, joints, and support structures, while the flexible beam provides inherent buckling resistance through its ability to flex and adapt to applied forces.
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 solution enables the creation of endoscopic instruments with reduced diameters, such as less than 8 mm, while maintaining effective actuation and functionality, thereby improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one rail is shaped and configured to contact the beam tangentially to prevent the beam from buckling as the beam is moved longitudinally
Implementation Method 2
The at least one rail is shaped and configured to contact the beam tangentially to prevent the beam from buckling as the beam is moved longitudinally
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic surgical instrument has a distal end configured to perform an action on tissue; a proximal end; a beam; a drive rod; and at least one rail supporting at least one bearing, the at least one bearing movable relative to the at least one rail. The distal end of the instrument is configured to receive at least a portion of the beam, the beam movable longitudinally in response to an action on the drive rod. The at least one rail is shaped and configured to contact the beam tangentially to prevent the beam from buckling as the beam is moved longitudinally.