Concentric Power Module for Surgical Instrument Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments face challenges in efficiently converting rotational motor motions into precise axial translations for end effectors, particularly in minimally invasive procedures, where compactness and reliability are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A power module with a concentric arrangement of a motor and rotary drives, including a first and second rotary drive with axial drives, and a transmission assembly that selectively engages the motor with these drives to generate axial motions, allowing for compact size and manual override in case of motor failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a motor is used to generate rotational motion for actuating surgical end effectors, then the productivity and precision of the surgical instrument are improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a concentric arrangement where the first rotary drive is positioned inside the second rotary drive, both sharing a common central axis with the motor. This nested configuration allows multiple drive mechanisms to coexist in a compact space, reducing overall device size while maintaining the ability to independently actuate multiple end effectors with high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission assembly is segmented into multiple independent rotary drives (first rotary drive and second rotary drive), each capable of independent rotation and connected to different end effectors. This segmentation allows the system to perform multiple surgical functions simultaneously while keeping each drive mechanism relatively simple and manageable
2Volume of moving object
If a compact power module design is implemented, then the suitability for minimally invasive procedures is improved, but the reliability may be compromised due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission assembly is designed with movable transmission members that can dynamically engage or disengage with either the first rotary drive, the second rotary drive, or both simultaneously. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the compact power module to maintain reliability by providing operational flexibility - if one drive mechanism encounters resistance or failure, the system can dynamically redistribute the load or switch to alternative actuation paths
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission assembly serves multiple functions within a compact volume: it can selectively transmit motor power to the first rotary drive, the second rotary drive, or both independently; it can also accommodate manual override mechanisms. This multi-functionality ensures high reliability in a compact design by providing redundant actuation capabilities
3Productivity
If rotational motion from a single motor is converted into axial translations for multiple end effectors, then the productivity is improved, but the manufacturing precision and alignment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric pitch configurations for the first and second rotary drives, allowing each drive to have optimized thread parameters tailored to its specific end effector requirements. This asymmetric design enables independent optimization of axial translation characteristics for each effector while maintaining a common rotational power source, thereby managing alignment precision requirements through customized mechanical parameters rather than uniform design
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 efficient and precise axial translations for surgical end effectors, enhancing the performance of surgical instruments in minimally invasive procedures while providing a compact design and manual override capability for reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a first rotary drive (22) in operable engagement with a first axial drive (24)... a second rotary drive (26) in operable engagement with a second axial drive (28)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A surgical instrument, in at least one form, includes an end effector and a power module 10. The power module may include a first motion conversion assembly 16. The first motion conversion assembly includes a first rotary drive 22 and a first axial drive 24 operably coupled to the first rotary drive. The power module may further include a second motion conversion assembly 18 which may include a second rotary drive 26 and a second axial drive 28 operably coupled to the second rotary drive. The power module may further include a motor 14 configured to generate at least one rotational motion to actuate the end effector and a transmission assembly configured to selectively engage the motor with the first rotary drive and the second rotary drive, wherein the motor is concentrically arranged with the first rotary drive and the second rotary drive.