Articulating Tool Tension Member Guide for Surgical Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical and diagnostic tools, such as endoscopes and catheters, face limitations in maneuverability due to their limited range of motion, which can lead to patient discomfort and increased risk of tissue trauma during procedures like endoscopy and laparoscopy, and the complexity of cable systems in minimally invasive instruments can result in manufacturing challenges.
Innovation Solution
An articulating tool with an improved tension member design and assembly method, featuring a shaft with an elongated guide for guiding tension bearing members, a movable proximal and distal element, and a plurality of channels for secure alignment and movement, allowing for enhanced articulation and reduced assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional endoscopes and catheters use limited range of motion designs, then the structure is simple, but maneuverability is poor and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple rigid segments connected by articulation joints, allowing the catheter to bend and navigate complex anatomical paths while maintaining structural integrity. Each segment can be independently positioned to achieve the desired configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of the catheter's shape and orientation during the procedure. The articulation elements can be actuated to change the catheter's configuration in real-time, improving maneuverability through complex anatomical structures.
2Ease of operation
If cable systems are added to improve articulation, then maneuverability improves, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tension members are nested within channels that are integrated into the articulation elements themselves. This nested arrangement eliminates the need for separate cable routing structures, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly while maintaining articulation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The tension members and articulation mechanism are merged into a single integrated structure. The channels for the tension members are formed as part of the articulation elements, combining multiple functions into unified components that are easier to manufacture and assemble.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple tension bearing members are used for precise control, then articulation precision improves, but cable interaction and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each tension member is assigned to a specific channel within a specific articulation element, creating localized control zones. This arrangement ensures that each tension member operates independently in its designated space, eliminating cable interaction while maintaining precise articulation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The channels act as intermediaries that guide and isolate each tension member. These channels prevent direct interaction between adjacent tension members while maintaining their individual control functions, allowing precise articulation without the complexity of managing cable interactions.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional insertion methods are used, then the device structure is simple, but patient discomfort and tissue trauma risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation mechanism allows the catheter to dynamically adapt its shape during insertion, following the natural contours of anatomical structures. This dynamic configuration reduces the force required for insertion and minimizes tissue trauma while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer improved user control for operating remotely within regions of the body, and improved methods of assembling the tools. In some embodiments these tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. The articulation mechanisms comprise pairs of links, one link distal and the other proximal, configured such that movement of a proximal link is transferred to the distal link by way of tension bearing members. Embodiments of the invention include a guide for such tension bearing members that facilitates assembly of the tool. Embodiments also include improved methods for attaching tension bearing members to the links. The inventions disclosed herein may also be used with articulating devices outside of the surgical and diagnostic fields.