End Effector Jaw Control Mechanism for Alignment and Low Friction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical devices face issues such as misalignment of jaws during operation and increased friction forces when opening clamped jaws, leading to improper stapling and cutting of tissue, which can increase therapy time and patient trauma.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a control mechanism that translates between states to pivot jaws from an open to a closed configuration, utilizing a camming action and channels to prevent relative movement, ensuring proper alignment and reducing friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate control mechanisms are used for different end effectors, then each effector can be controlled independently, but the system complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control mechanisms into a single integrated control mechanism that can control multiple end effectors simultaneously. The control mechanism includes a controller with processing logic that receives input signals and generates output signals to multiple effectors, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms for each effector while maintaining independent control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism is designed as a universal controller that can manage different types of end effectors (surgical tools, graspers, scissors, etc.) through a single interface. The controller includes multiple output channels that can be selectively activated to control different effectors, providing multi-functional control from a single device.
2Device complexity
If a single control mechanism controls multiple end effectors, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to independently control each effector may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is segmented into multiple independent output channels, each capable of controlling a specific end effector. The controller includes first output channels for surgical tools and second output channels for graspers, allowing independent activation and control of each effector type while maintaining a unified control structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism dynamically allocates control signals to different end effectors based on operational requirements. The controller can selectively activate specific output channels and adjust control parameters in real-time, enabling flexible independent control of multiple effectors through a single adaptive control system.
3Measurement precision
If separate control mechanisms are used for each end effector, then control precision is maintained, but the overall system size and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated controller acts as an intermediary that receives input signals and distributes processed control signals to multiple end effectors. The controller includes processing logic that maintains precise control for each effector while consolidating the control architecture, thereby preserving control precision without requiring separate control mechanisms for each effector.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A medical device includes a shaft, an end effector at a distal end of the shaft, the end effector having a first jaw that pivots relative to a second jaw about a pivot axis, a control mechanism engaging a surface of the first jaw, such that when the control mechanism translates relative to the pivot axis from a first state to a second state, the surface of the first jaw moves relative to the control mechanism and pivot about the pivot axis. The medical device further includes an actuator extending through the shaft and coupled to the control mechanism, where translation of the actuator translates the control mechanism from the first state to the second state.