Arc-Shaped Needle Driver Link Mechanism for Minimally Invasive Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing needle driver devices for suturing procedures are bulky, complex, and prone to wear, which limits their reliability and manufacturability, especially in space-limited applications like minimally invasive surgery.
Innovation Solution
A needle driver device with an arc-shaped track and rotary drive mechanism, featuring a needle driver link with a distal end that removably engages the arc-shaped needle, allowing for constrained motion along a curved path to minimize size and reduce complexity, while maintaining reliability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional needle driver devices are used, then suturing function is achieved, but device size becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The needle driver link is received within the C-shaped portion, and the needle is received within the needle driver link, creating a nested configuration that minimizes overall device volume while maintaining all necessary functional components
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: the C-shaped portion providing structural framework, the needle driver link providing drive functionality, and the needle providing suturing functionality. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for size and function
2Reliability
If conventional needle driver devices are used, then suturing is performed, but reliability decreases due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is designed to be removably engaged with the needle driver link, allowing the needle to be extracted and replaced when worn or contaminated. This extraction principle extends the useful life of the durable needle driver link while maintaining reliability through periodic replacement of consumable needles
Solution Approach 2:
The needle driver link is designed with dynamic engagement and disengagement capabilities, transitioning between locked and unlocked states with the needle. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt between high-reliability engaged operation and maintenance/replacement states
3Volume of moving object
If minimal space is occupied, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing robustness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into manufacturable components (C-shaped portion, needle driver link, needle) that can be manufactured using standard processes and then assembled through removable engagement, balancing compact size with manufacturing robustness
Solution Approach 2:
The nested configuration allows components to be manufactured to optimal sizes for their individual functions, then combined in a space-efficient manner that maintains manufacturing quality while minimizing overall device volume
4Reliability
If robust mechanical parts are used, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is extracted as a separate, replaceable component with robust mechanical properties for its specific function, while the needle driver link maintains sufficient robustness for drive operations. This separation allows each component to be optimized for its specific mechanical requirements without unnecessary complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanism between the needle driver link and needle provides dynamic mechanical coupling that ensures reliable force transmission during suturing while allowing easy disengagement for replacement, achieving high reliability without permanent complex mechanical connections
Data Source
AI summary
A needle driver device includes an arc-shaped track and an arc-shaped needle configured to be received in the arc-shaped track. The arc-shaped needle is moveable along a curved path including the arc-shaped track. The needle driver device further includes a rotary drive mechanism and a needle driver link. The needle driver link has a distal end portion configured to removably engage the arc-shaped needle and a proximal end portion coupled to the rotary drive mechanism. The needle driver device also includes a guide member coupled to the needle driver link and defining a pivot location of the needle driver link between the distal end portion and the proximal end portion of the needle driver link. The needle driver link is rotatable about the pivot location, and the guide member is moveable in response to movement of the needle driver link.