Electrosurgical Instrument Power Split with Internal Charge Accumulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical systems face challenges in providing sufficient power to electrosurgical instruments during surgical procedures, particularly when the generator's power is insufficient to drive the electric motor, leading to limitations in the instrument's actuations and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an internal charge accumulator that can supply power to the electric motor, which is rechargeable by the generator, allowing the instrument to operate independently of the generator's power limitations and enabling simultaneous powering by multiple power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the generator supplies power directly to the electric motor, then the system structure is simple, but the generator must provide sufficient power which increases the generator's size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent power sources: a generator for high-power electrosurgical functions and a battery for motor actuation functions. This segmentation allows each power source to be optimized independently, reducing the generator's power requirements and weight while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor is designed to accept power from either the generator, the battery, or both simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows the motor to operate in different power modes depending on the surgical task, enabling the generator to be smaller since it doesn't need to provide all power in all situations.
2Reliability
If the generator provides sufficient power for all electrosurgical functions, then the power supply is reliable, but the generator's size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply responsibilities are segmented between the generator (electrosurgical energy) and battery (motor actuation), allowing the generator to be smaller since it only needs to provide electrosurgical power, not motor power as well.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery acts as an intermediary power source that supplements the generator's output specifically for motor actuation. This intermediary arrangement ensures reliable power for motor functions without requiring the generator to be oversized.
3Weight of moving object
If the generator's power is insufficient to drive the electric motor, then the generator's size is reduced, but the motor actuation capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply functions are segmented between generator and battery, with the battery specifically responsible for motor actuation. This segmentation allows the generator to be lightweight while the battery ensures full motor actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor's power source parameter is made variable, allowing it to switch between generator power, battery power, or combined power based on the specific surgical task requirements. This flexibility ensures full actuation capability regardless of generator size.
4Device complexity
If a single power source is used, then the power supply system is simple, but the continuous operation capability is limited when power is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is segmented into generator and battery sources that can operate independently or in combination, enabling extended continuous operation by drawing from both sources as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator and battery power sources are merged to simultaneously power the motor and electrosurgical functions, or to sequentially power different functions, thereby extending the overall duration of continuous operation beyond what either source could achieve alone.
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
This solution ensures continuous operation of the electrosurgical instrument by providing a reliable power source, enhancing its ability to perform end effector functions and extending its usage without interruptions, even when the generator's power is insufficient.
Implementation Method 1
an internal charge accumulator in electrical communication with the generator... The internal charge accumulator is configured to supply power to the electric motor
Implementation Method 2
The internal charge accumulator is chargeable by the generator to a threshold value at a charge rate dependent on a charge level of the internal charge accumulator
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical system comprising a generator and a surgical instrument configured to receive power from the generator is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a housing, a shaft defining a longitudinal axis, an end effector, and an internal charge accumulator. The housing comprises a motor. The end effector is operably responsive to actuations from the electric motor, transitionable between an open and closed configuration, and rotatable about an articulation axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. The generator is incapable of supplying a sufficient power directly to the motor to perform the actuations. The internal charge accumulator is in electric communication with the generator and supplies power to the motor. The internal charge accumulator is chargeable by the generator to a threshold value at a charge rate dependent on a charge level of the internal charge accumulator. The charge rate is independent of a charge expenditure by the surgical instrument.