Multi-Axis Electrocautery End Tool With Independently Rotating Jaws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments for electrocautery lack the ability to rotate in multiple directions and intuitively match the movement of a manipulation portion, making them less efficient and less user-friendly, especially in laparoscopic surgeries.
Innovation Solution
The end tool of the surgical instrument features independently rotatable first and second jaws, pulleys connected to each jaw, a blade assembly with a guide tube, and a blade wire to transfer driving force, allowing for yaw and pitch rotations, and includes electrodes for electrocautery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the end tool is designed with fixed jaw structure, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation is poor due to inability to rotate in multiple directions
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw structure is transformed from a fixed configuration to a dynamic one capable of rotation in multiple directions (yaw and pitch). The first jaw can rotate about a first rotation shaft while the second jaw can rotate about a second rotation shaft, enabling the jaws to adapt their orientation dynamically during surgical procedures. This dynamic capability directly improves ease of operation by allowing the end tool to match the manipulation portion's movement intuitively.
Solution Approach 2:
The end tool is divided into independently rotatable components - the first jaw and second jaw - each with their own rotation shafts. This segmentation allows each jaw to rotate independently in specific directions, providing flexible control over the cutting and coagulation functions. The independent rotation capability enables complex movements that improve operational ease without requiring the entire end tool to be redesigned.
2Productivity
If the blade assembly is added to the end tool, then the productivity is improved by enabling cutting function, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end tool is designed to perform multiple surgical functions through a single integrated structure. The blade assembly enables cutting functionality while the electrocautery electrodes enable coagulation and sealing functions. This multi-functionality allows one end tool to replace multiple separate instruments, directly improving productivity by reducing the number of tools needed during surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade assembly is merged with the jaw structure and rotation mechanisms into a unified end tool. The blade is positioned within the jaws and can move independently, while the rotation shafts and electrocautery electrodes are integrated into the same housing. This merging of cutting, coagulation, and rotational capabilities into a single device improves productivity without requiring multiple separate instruments.
3Ease of operation
If the first and second jaws are made independently rotatable, then the ease of operation is improved by matching manipulation movement, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end tool employs dynamic rotation mechanisms where the first jaw rotates about a first rotation shaft and the second jaw rotates about a second rotation shaft. This dynamic capability allows the jaws to change their orientation independently, matching the manipulation portion's movement intuitively. The dynamic rotation system improves ease of operation by making the end tool's movement predictable and aligned with the user's manipulation actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation shafts act as intermediary elements that transfer and transform the manipulation portion's movement into appropriate jaw rotations. The first rotation shaft and second rotation shaft serve as mechanical mediators that convert the user's manipulation inputs into coordinated jaw movements, enabling intuitive control while managing the complexity through standardized rotational mechanisms.
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
The design enhances user convenience and accuracy by intuitively matching manipulation and operating directions, improving the speed and reliability of surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a blade wire of which at least a part is in contact with the blade assembly to transfer a driving force required to move the blade to the blade
Implementation Method 2
a first jaw pulley connected to the first jaw and formed to be rotatable about a first rotation shaft, a second jaw pulley connected to the second jaw, formed to be rotatable about the first rotation shaft
Implementation Method 3
electric surgical instruments including one or more electrodes formed to receive electric energy have been developed. Electrical energy supplied through the electrodes may be used to coagulate, bond, or cut the patient's body tissues
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a surgical instrument for electrocautery, and in particular, a surgical instrument for electrocautery installed on a robot arm or manually operable in order to be used in laparoscopic surgery or other various surgeries.