Articulated End Effector Auto Return Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic surgical instruments with articulated end effectors face challenges in efficiently returning to their original position, leading to delayed surgical procedures due to the time-consuming process of reorienting the working end from an angled to a non-angled configuration.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device with an actuation assembly that includes movable members and an actuator, allowing for axial translation and rotation to automatically return the end effector from an articulated to an unarticulated position, facilitated by a second actuator that disengages the movable members from the actuator, enabling quick repositioning and removal from the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the end effector is articulated to angularly reorient the working end relative to the tissue, then the ability to access and manipulate tissue at desired angles is improved, but the time required to return the working end to its original non-angled position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation assembly employs movable members that can dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged states. When disengaged, the movable members allow the end effector to freely return to its original position under its own weight or minimal force, enabling quick repositioning without time-consuming manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the end effector's own weight and the disengaged movable members to automatically return the working end to its original non-angled position. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex active return mechanisms or manual repositioning, significantly reducing the time required to reset the articulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the end effector is moved from one articulated direction to an opposite direction, then the ability to access different surgical sites is improved, but the time required for repositioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation assembly allows dynamic switching between different articulated directions by engaging and disengaging the movable members as needed. This enables rapid transitions between opposite directions without requiring slow, controlled manual manipulation for each position change.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for quick repositioning by having the movable members ready to be disengaged, allowing the end effector to be rapidly repositioned to opposite directions when needed during the surgical procedure.
3Ease of operation
If manual repositioning of the end effector is performed, then control over the end effector position is improved, but the surgical procedure proceeds slower than desired
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation assembly provides dynamic control options: when the movable members are engaged, precise control is maintained; when disengaged, rapid repositioning occurs. This dynamic switching allows the surgical team to optimize between control and speed based on procedural needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the end effector to self-return to its original position when the movable members are disengaged, eliminating the time-consuming manual repositioning step while maintaining sufficient control through the engagement/disengagement mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
Various exemplary methods and devices for auto return of articulated end effectors are provided. In general, a surgical device can include an end effector configured to articulate. The device can include an actuator configured to be actuated to move the end effector from an articulated position to an unarticulated position. In at least some embodiments, the actuator can also be configured to be actuated to move the end effector from the unarticulated position to the articulated position. In at least some embodiments, the device can include the actuator and include another actuator configured to rotate the end effector about a longitudinal axis of an elongate shaft having the end effector at a distal end thereof. In at least some embodiments, the device can include the actuator and include another actuator configured to articulate the end effector from the unarticulated position to the articulated position.