Articulating Assembly with Opposite Threads for Surgical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments lack precision and stability in articulating and rotating end effectors, which can lead to inefficiencies in laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures.
Innovation Solution
An articulating assembly with a screw portion having opposite threads, articulation plates, and a rotating sleeve connected through a gear assembly, allowing for precise articulation and rotation of the end effector relative to the elongated portion, enhancing control and maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional surgical instruments are used for articulation, then the structure is simple, but the precision and stability of end effector manipulation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation mechanism is divided into multiple functional segments: a screw portion with multiple thread segments, multiple articulation plates, and a rotating sleeve. Each segment performs a specific function in the articulation process, allowing precise control while maintaining modular simplicity in the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the rotating sleeve and the screw portion. It transmits and transforms the rotational motion into precise linear displacement of the articulation plates, enabling accurate end effector articulation without direct complex mechanical linkages.
2Reliability
If traditional articulation mechanisms are used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the stability of end effector control is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation mechanism uses dynamic elements including a rotatable screw portion with multiple thread segments and a rotating sleeve that can engage with the gear assembly. This dynamic design allows stable yet adjustable control of the end effector's articulation angle and position during surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism incorporates inherent mechanical constraints and guiding features in the articulation plates and screw threads that pre-establish stable engagement paths. This ensures reliable and stable control before actual articulation movements are made, preventing erratic behavior during operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If a complex gear assembly is added for precise rotation, then the rotation precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating sleeve serves multiple functions: it can rotate to engage/disengage the gear assembly, it transmits rotational motion to the screw portion for articulation, and it provides a compact housing for the gear mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining precision rotation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear assembly is nested within the rotating sleeve structure, with the screw portion passing through the center of the gear mechanism. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple components into a compact integrated unit, reducing space requirements and simplifying the overall driver assembly structure.
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 articulating assembly improves the precision and stability of the surgical instrument, enabling precise adjustment of the end effector's angle and facilitating more effective procedures by allowing controlled rotation and articulation.
Implementation Method 1
a screw portion rotatablely mounted in a stationary handle of said surgical instrument, wherein said screw portion is provided with at least two segments with opposite threads
Implementation Method 2
a rotating sleeve coaxially sheathed on said screw portion so as to be in connection therewith through a gear assembly when being located at an articulation position
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an articulating assembly and a surgical instrument using the same. The articulating assembly includes a driver assembly configured to articulate an end effector of said surgical instrument, where said driver assembly includes: a screw portion rotatably mounted in a stationary handle of said surgical instrument, an axis of which is parallel to an axis of an elongated portion of said surgical instrument, wherein said screw portion is provided with at least two segments with opposite threads; two articulation plates in connection with said two thread segments, respectively, wherein a distal end of each articulation plate is in connection with said end effector of said surgical instrument; and a rotating sleeve coaxially sheathed on said screw portion so as to be in connection therewith through a gear assembly when being located at an articulation position.