Surgical End Effector Control for Automatic Home Position Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments face challenges in efficiently managing power and articulation, particularly in returning end effectors to a default position after use, which can complicate the removal of the instrument from a patient's cavity and affect operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The surgical instrument incorporates a control system with a microcontroller and motor that allows for precise articulation and automatic return to a home state position, using a rocker switch interface and feedback mechanisms to guide the operator and ensure accurate alignment with minimal input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic return to home state position is implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector system automatically returns to its home state position after articulation without requiring manual intervention. The control system detects when articulation is complete and autonomously commands the motor to return the end effector to its neutral position, allowing the system to service itself and improve operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the control system monitors the articulation state of the end effector and uses this information to automatically initiate the return to home state position. Sensors detect position and status, providing feedback that triggers the automatic return sequence, resolving the contradiction by enabling intelligence without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If precise articulation control is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Feedback mechanisms including sensors and control circuits monitor the articulation position and status of the end effector, providing real-time information to the control system. This feedback enables precise control and reliable operation by continuously verifying the state of the system and making necessary adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control mechanisms with electronic control systems. Instead of using purely mechanical linkages and switches for articulation control, the system uses a motor driven by electronic control circuits, reducing mechanical complexity while improving precision and reliability through electronic sensing and control.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument for use by an operator in a surgical procedure includes an elongate shaft, an end effector extending from the elongate shaft, and a control system. The end effector is articulatable relative to the elongate shaft between a home state position and an articulated position. The control system includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor to store program instructions. The processor can alert the operator when the end effector reaches the home state position from the articulated position.