Translatable Barrel Cam for Precise Robotic Surgical Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments, particularly in robotically-assisted surgeries, face challenges in providing precise and versatile tools for various medical procedures, such as laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures, with limited ergonomic benefits and ease of use for medical professionals, often requiring complex manual dexterity and multiple equipment setups.
Innovation Solution
A robotically-enabled medical system with a table-based robotic system that includes adjustable arm supports and robotic arms with multiple degrees of freedom, integrated with advanced surgical instruments like ultrasonic surgical instruments and surgical staplers, featuring articulation mechanisms and jaw activating systems for enhanced precision and ease of use, allowing for improved surgical access and reduced operator fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional surgical instruments are used in robotically-assisted surgeries, then surgical functions can be performed, but operator fatigue increases and ergonomic benefits are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel cam mechanism serves multiple functions: it activates jaw closure, controls articulation movement, and enables precise positioning of the end effector. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device while maintaining comprehensive surgical capabilities and reducing operator fatigue through integrated control.
2Measurement precision
If complex manual dexterity is required for surgical instruments, then precise control can be achieved, but ease of use for medical professionals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel cam acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates simple rotational motion from the actuator into complex multi-axis movements of the end effector. This mediator component enables precise surgical control through a simplified interface, allowing medical professionals to achieve accurate jaw closure and articulation without requiring complex manual dexterity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple equipment setups are used for various surgical procedures, then versatile surgical functions can be performed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector incorporates dynamic articulation capabilities through the barrel cam mechanism, allowing it to adapt its orientation and jaw positioning in real-time during surgical procedures. This dynamic adaptability enables a single piece of equipment to perform multiple surgical functions that would traditionally require separate specialized instruments, reducing overall equipment complexity while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument including an end effector, a shaft assembly defining a longitudinal axis extending proximally from the end effector, a first drive operatively connected to a first portion of at least one of the end effector or the shaft assembly, and an activating mechanism operatively connected to the first drive. The first drive longitudinally translates relative to the longitudinal axis from a first drive position toward a second drive position to respectively actuate the first portion from a first portion position toward a second portion. The activating mechanism selectively direct translation of the first drive from the first drive position toward the second drive position by rotating from a first rotational body position toward a second rotational body position or translating from a first translational body position toward a second translational body position.