Cam-Driven Coupling for Ultrasonic Transducer in Surgical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic surgical instruments face challenges in efficiently coupling ultrasonic transducers to transmission assemblies without requiring torque wrenches, which complicates the connection and disconnection process, and limits the reusability and interchangeability of components.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of various coupling mechanisms such as pin and troughed gear, sled, self-locking pin and lever, bolt-action, camming lever arms, and rotatable clamshell mechanisms that allow for secure acoustic coupling of ultrasonic transducers to transmission assemblies without the need for torque wrenches, enabling quick connection and disconnection, and facilitating reusability and interchangeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional coupling mechanisms are used to secure ultrasonic transducers to transmission assemblies, then reliable energy transmission is achieved, but the connection process requires torque wrenches and becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical coupling mechanisms (requiring torque wrenches) with a simplified coupling system that uses a coupling member engaging with gear teeth and a cam mechanism. This substitution maintains reliable ultrasonic energy transmission while dramatically simplifying the connection and disconnection process, allowing users to operate without specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-securing through the cam mechanism that automatically engages with the gear teeth when the coupling member is inserted. The system self-regulates the coupling force and position, eliminating the need for external torque wrenches or complex adjustment procedures while ensuring reliable connection.
2Stability of the object's composition
If secure coupling is achieved through traditional mechanisms, then ultrasonic transducer stability is maintained, but component reusability and interchangeability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple different ultrasonic transducer types and transmission assembly configurations. The gear teeth and cam mechanism provide a standardized interface that maintains stable coupling while enabling easy interchangeability between different components, supporting reusability and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the coupling function from the ultrasonic transducer and transmission assembly components. The reusable coupling member acts as an independent interface component that can be detached and reattached to different transducers or transmission assemblies, enabling component segmentation and enhanced interchangeability while maintaining stable connections.
3Manufacturing precision
If torque wrenches are required for coupling, then precise torque control is achieved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for torque wrenches by replacing precision torque-controlled mechanical fastening with a cam-based coupling mechanism. The cam geometry inherently provides the necessary coupling force and precision without requiring external torque control tools, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adequate coupling precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is self-regulating, using the cam profile to automatically establish the correct coupling force and position when the coupling member is inserted. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external torque control devices and complex adjustment procedures, simplifying both the device and its operation while maintaining precise coupling.
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
These coupling mechanisms ensure reliable energy transmission, simplify the connection process, and allow for the reuse and interchangeability of components, enhancing the efficiency and versatility of ultrasonic surgical instruments.
Implementation Method 1
camming lever arms coupled to the transducer and operable to couple the transducer to the waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a body assembly, a waveguide, a transducer, and a coupling assembly. In some versions the coupling assembly translates the transducer to couple the transducer to the waveguide. For instance, a gear having arcuate troughs may engage pins on the transducer and/or waveguide to mate the transducer to waveguide. A pawl may selectively engage and prevent rotation of the gear. Alternatively, lever arms may cam the transducer into the waveguide. The lever arms may selectively couple to a casing to prevent decoupling of the transducer and waveguide. In another configuration, a locking tab can be slid and locked into a slot to couple the transducer and waveguide. Further still, levers with self-locking pins may engage and couple the transducer to the waveguide. In another version, a rotatable body portion may engage a tab on the transducer to rotate and couple the transducer to the waveguide.