Ultrasonic Blade Grounding via Rotational Driver Wrench
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic surgical instruments lack efficient mechanisms for reducing wear and extending the lifespan of shaft assembly components during rotation, leading to premature failure due to friction and vibration-induced damage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a shaft assembly rotation system that includes a guide pin with insulating layers and a driver wrench with keys and notches, which reduces friction and wear by allowing the acoustic waveguide to rotate while minimizing contact with other components, thereby reducing damage from ultrasonic vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shaft assembly is designed to rotate during ultrasonic surgical operations, then maneuvering flexibility is improved, but friction and vibration-induced wear increase leading to component failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism between the rotating shaft assembly and the acoustic waveguide. A rotation system with a driver and driver engagement feature allows the shaft to rotate while the acoustic waveguide remains relatively stationary or rotates minimally, mediating the mechanical connection to reduce direct friction and wear between rotating and stationary components
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a rotatable shaft portion for maneuvering, a stationary or minimally rotating acoustic waveguide for ultrasonic energy transmission, and a rotation system connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its primary function while minimizing wear-critical contacts
2Device complexity
If the acoustic waveguide is directly connected to rotating components, then structural simplicity is maintained, but ultrasonic vibration-induced damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation system acts as an intermediary between the rotating shaft and the acoustic waveguide. The driver engagement feature (such as a keyway, spline, or magnetic coupling) transfers rotational motion while isolating the acoustic waveguide from direct high-stress mechanical contact, reducing vibration-induced damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent may employ flexible coupling elements or damping layers (such as elastomeric materials or thin film dampers) between the rotation system and the acoustic waveguide to absorb ultrasonic vibrations and prevent them from propagating through the structural connection
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
This solution enhances the longevity of ultrasonic surgical instruments by reducing wear and friction during rotation, allowing for more flexible maneuvering and extended use while minimizing component failures.
Implementation Method 1
one or more piezoelectric elements that convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations
Implementation Method 2
a guide pin with insulating layers... which reduces friction and wear by allowing the acoustic waveguide to rotate while minimizing contact with other components
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm movably coupled with the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly extends between the body and the end effector and includes an acoustic waveguide, a rotational driver, and a driver wrench. The rotational driver is configured to be received within the rotational drive channel and rotate the shaft assembly relative to the body. The acoustic waveguide includes a notch and the driver wrench includes a key, wherein the first notch of the acoustic waveguide is configured to receive the key.