Endoscopic Device Flexible Actuation Train
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic devices with deflectable shafts face challenges in actuating tools effectively and maintaining a compact design, particularly in terms of functionality and ease of cleaning, due to complex deflection mechanisms and limited installation space.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flexible actuation train that extends through the shaft, coupled with a movement transducer to convert linear movements into pivoting movements of the tool piece, and a modular design allowing for exchangeable end-effector and shaft modules, which reduces complexity and improves actuation efficiency while facilitating cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex deflection mechanism with multiple connection members is used to enable shaft deflection, then the shaft can be deflected in at least one plane, but the device complexity increases and installation space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection mechanism is segmented into multiple identical connection members (at least two) that can be arranged in series along the shaft. Each connection member consists of a first connection member and a second connection member that interact to enable deflection. This segmentation allows the complex deflection function to be distributed across multiple simple, modular units, making the overall system more manageable and maintainable while achieving the desired shaft deflection capability.
2Force
If a rigid actuation train is used to actuate the end effector, then actuation force transmission is effective, but the device cannot navigate deflectable portions of the shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation train is designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to adapt to the deflectable portions of the shaft during navigation. This flexibility enables the actuation train to bend and follow the shaft's curvature while maintaining continuous mechanical connection between the actuator and the end effector, ensuring both navigability and functional actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation train incorporates flexible elements that can bend and deform to accommodate the deflectable shaft geometry. These flexible components transmit actuation forces effectively while conforming to the shaft's curved path, enabling the system to navigate complex anatomical routes while maintaining precise end effector control.
3Ease of manufacture
If the movement transducer and actuation train are made accessible for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The movement transducer and actuation train components are designed to be extractable or removable from the endoscopic device. This extraction capability allows these components to be separated from the main body for thorough cleaning and sterilization processes, improving cleaning effectiveness without requiring the entire device to be disassembled. The components can be taken out, cleaned separately, and then reassembled, maintaining both cleaning accessibility and device compactness.
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 configuration enhances the endoscopic device's ability to transmit actuation forces effectively, reduces installation space, and simplifies maintenance and cleaning, making it more cost-effective and adaptable for various surgical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a movement transducer, which couples the end effector and the actuation train at least mechanically to one another and is configured to convert a first movement of the actuation train into a second movement of the tool piece
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides an endoscopic device having at least one shaft, which has at least one portion deflectable, having at least one deflection mechanism, which includes, arranged in series, at least one first connection member and at least one second connection member interacting for a deflection with the first connection member, having an end effector which is arranged on an end portion of the shaft and includes at least one tool piece. The endoscopic device further includes an actuation train, which extends at least partially through the shaft and which actuates the end effector and is flexible at least in the region of the deflectable portion of the shaft, and at least one movement transducer, which couples the end effector and the actuation train mechanically to each other and is configured to convert a first movement of the actuation train into a second movement of the tool piece.