Detachable Steering Unit for Precise Surgical Instrument Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steerable surgical instruments face challenges with high manufacturing complexity, material weakness, and contamination issues, particularly in longer instruments, leading to difficulties in steerability, flexibility, stiffness, durability, and contamination prevention.
Innovation Solution
A steering device with a supporting unit and a steering unit that allows for easy coupling and decoupling of instruments, using longitudinal elements for precise control and featuring a locking mechanism to secure these elements, enabling disposable instruments while reusing the steering device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional steering cables and complex steering arrangements are used, then steering capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into separate modular components: a reusable steering device and a disposable instrument part. The steering cables are integrated into the disposable instrument part rather than being separate components, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining steering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument part containing the steering cables is designed as a disposable component that is replaced rather than repaired. This eliminates the need for complex maintenance and repair procedures for the steering mechanism, reducing operational complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If plastic extruded tubes are used for long instruments, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but mechanical strength and cable friction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is segmented into a reusable steering device and a disposable instrument part. The instrument part can be manufactured using simple plastic extrusion processes, while the steering device uses more robust materials and construction methods, optimizing each component for its specific manufacturing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument part is designed as a disposable component that can be manufactured using cost-effective plastic extrusion. Since it is replaced rather than reused, the design can prioritize manufacturing simplicity and cable friction reduction over long-term durability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If disposable instruments are used to prevent contamination, then contamination risk is reduced, but manufacturing cost and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a reusable steering device and a disposable instrument part. Only the instrument part that contacts the patient is disposable, while the expensive steering device with its complex steering mechanism is reused, reducing overall waste and manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable instrument part is discarded after single use to prevent contamination, while the reusable steering device is recovered and sterilized for subsequent uses. This selective disposal approach minimizes waste of high-value components while maintaining infection control.
4Force
If high force is exerted on actuation cables in curved arrangements, then tool operation capability is improved, but plastic tube deformation and cable clamping occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the high-force actuation function from the plastic tube structure. The actuation cables are integrated into the disposable instrument part that can be designed with appropriate structural support, while the reusable steering device handles the force transmission without relying on plastic tube integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument part containing the actuation cables is disposable, allowing it to be designed for high-force operation without concern for long-term durability. After use, the entire instrument part is replaced rather than repaired, eliminating the need to reinforce the plastic tube for repeated high-force cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering device for connecting to an elongated instrument comprises a supporting unit comprising a first channel having a first central axis, said first channel extending from a distal side to a proximal side of the supporting unit, wherein the supporting unit is arranged around said first channel, and a steering unit rotationally arranged on said supporting unit, the steering unit arranged to secure/release a plurality of longitudinal elements of an instrument to move with the rotational movement of the steering unit.