Cable Ring Mechanical Coupling for Surgical Instrument Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical instruments with distally positioned directable heads and flexible shafts face challenges in cost-effectiveness and mechanical coupling complexity, particularly due to limitations in miniaturization and fixed wire positions.
Innovation Solution
A ring of cables with thin steel cables, where each cable is in direct contact with others, forming a closed ring for mechanical coupling, allowing for low-cost manufacturing and flexible movement without preferred positions, and can include additional elements like glass fibers or power cables for power and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional spring elements with partial connections are used, then the structure can support the camera, but the elements cannot be made small enough and the construction becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate spring elements into a continuous ring of cables. Instead of using discrete connected elements, the cables form an unbroken circular structure that provides both mechanical support and guidance, eliminating the complexity of connecting multiple parts while enabling smaller overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring of cables serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the camera weight, guides the camera's angular movement, and provides structural stability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate guidance mechanisms and spring connections, reducing overall device complexity and size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is set at an angle to the shaft with traditional wire construction, then the camera can be positioned, but the wire positions become fixed and the construction becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The ring of cables is designed to be flexible and dynamic, allowing the camera to be positioned at various angles relative to the shaft. The cables can deform and redistribute forces as the camera moves, providing continuous adaptability rather than fixed positions, while maintaining structural integrity throughout the range of motion.
3Ease of operation
If guide-sleeves and external leaf springs are used to feed cables, then the cables can be guided, but the construction becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the separate guide-sleeves and external leaf spring components. The cable guidance function is integrated directly into the ring structure itself, where the cables are guided by their own circular configuration and mutual constraints, removing unnecessary external guiding mechanisms and reducing construction complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an instrument for high-precision or surgical applications of a minimally invasive nature, comprising a distally positioned directable head, a shaft upon which the head is positioned, and a proximally positioned handgrip for operating the head, wherein a ring of cables comprising longitudinally extending cables connects to the head, wherein each cable of the ring of cables is disposed such that at least a part of both sides is in direct contact with another cable of the ring of cables, and wherein the cables are fixedly secured in the radial direction.