Surgical Instrument End Effector Homing for Precise Port Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments face challenges in accurately and efficiently articulating and resetting end effectors to a default position, particularly during minimally invasive procedures, which can lead to misalignment and potential damage to access ports.
Innovation Solution
A control system with a microcontroller and motor mechanism that allows for precise articulation and automatic resetting of the end effector to a home state position, using switches and feedback mechanisms to ensure proper alignment and minimize operator input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual articulation and resetting of the end effector is performed, then operator control and flexibility are maintained, but alignment precision is insufficient and port damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms including switches (e.g., first and second switches) that detect the position of articulation components and provide signals to the control system. This feedback enables the microcontroller to monitor the articulation state and automatically adjust the end effector to achieve precise alignment with the shaft, resolving the contradiction by providing automated precision control while maintaining manageable system complexity through structured feedback loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to automatically reset the end effector to its initial position without requiring manual intervention. The microcontroller coordinates motors and switches to autonomously perform articulation and resetting operations, ensuring precise alignment while reducing the burden on the operator and minimizing the risk of port damage during these critical positioning maneuvers.
2Productivity
If automated control system with microcontroller and motor mechanism is implemented, then articulation precision and resetting efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a microcontroller unit, individual motors for different articulation degrees of freedom, position detection switches, and communication interfaces. This modular segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, improving overall articulation productivity while keeping the complexity of each individual module manageable and the entire system maintainable.
3Reliability
If precise alignment mechanisms are added to prevent port damage, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary alignment actions before the end effector is inserted into or removed from the access port. The microcontroller coordinates motors to pre-position the end effector in the correct orientation and alignment with the shaft, ensuring that insertion and removal operations proceed smoothly without misalignment that could damage the port. This preliminary positioning action enhances reliability while avoiding the need for complex mechanical alignment mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a data storage protocol and/or at least one security feature. The surgical instrument can include a locking circuit, for example. In various instances, the surgical instrument can include sensors and/or magnets for detecting various characteristics of the surgical instrument, surgical operation, and/or surgical site. The surgical instrument can require a temporary access code for operating and/or can be selected for connection to an external display. A surgical system can include a first modular component, a second modular component, and a feedback system. The feedback system can include an engagement sensor, which can detect the engagement and/or degree of engagement of the first modular component and the second modular component.