Collet Locking Mechanism for Percutaneous End Effector Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive surgical devices lack efficient mechanisms for in vivo attachment and detachment of end effectors to elongate shafts, which complicates surgical procedures and recovery due to the need for precise control and secure engagement within pressurized body cavities.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device featuring an elongate shaft with an actuator and end effector that includes a laterally deflecting arm and a ring mechanism, allowing for secure attachment and detachment, along with a loader system for facilitating the process, utilizing a spring biasing system and collet mechanisms for locking and unlocking positions to ensure reliable engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is used to ensure reliable engagement of the end effector to the elongate shaft, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collet mechanism employs a dynamic locking system where the collet can move between a locked position (when the arm is in the first position) and an unlocked position (when the arm is in the second position). This dynamic mechanism allows the system to adapt between secure locking and easy detachment states, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the collet, the arm, the ring, and the spring. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the complex locking action to be broken down into manageable parts that work together, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Productivity
If a quick detachment mechanism is used to facilitate rapid exchange of end effectors, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability of engagement may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism provides rapid detachment through the dynamic arm positioning system. The arm can be quickly moved between positions to lock or unlock the collet, enabling fast end effector exchange while maintaining secure engagement during operation. The spring-loaded design allows quick release without compromising the strength of the locked state.
3Ease of operation
If a laterally deflecting arm mechanism is used to enable attachment and detachment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laterally deflecting arm provides an intuitive and easy-to-operate mechanism where the arm can be moved left or right to lock or unlock the end effector. This simple lateral motion interface improves ease of operation while the underlying spring-loaded collet mechanism manages the complexity of the locking action.
4Ease of operation
If a spring biasing system is used to maintain the ring in the second position, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded system provides self-service operation where the spring automatically returns the ring to the second position (unlocked state) after the arm is deflected laterally. This eliminates the need for manual resetting or additional actuation, improving ease of operation. The energy loss from the spring is minimal and is recovered through the elastic deformation during normal operation.
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
Enables secure and efficient in vivo attachment and detachment of end effectors, facilitating minimally invasive surgical procedures with reduced trauma and faster recovery by providing a reliable and precise mechanism for surgical manipulation within pressurized body cavities.
Implementation Method 1
The surgical device may further comprise a spring in the end effector biasing the ring to the second position
Implementation Method 2
The end effector comprises a laterally deflecting arm dimensioned to engage at least a portion of the distal end of the elongate shaft and a ring comprising a first axial position and a second axial position
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device comprises an elongate shaft comprising an outer tube and an inner rod positioned in the outer tube, the outer tube and inner rod each comprising a distal end and a proximal end. An actuator is operably connected to the proximal ends of the outer tube and the inner rod. An end effector is adapted for in vivo attachment to and detachment from the distal ends of the outer tube and the inner rod, the end effector comprising a collet for locking engagement with the distal end of the inner rod. The end effector may further comprise a second collet for locking engagement with the outer tube. The surgical device may further comprise a loader comprising a collet for locking the end effector in the loader.