Endoscope Instrument Control Using Linear Force Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The control of surgical instruments within endoscope channels is hindered by friction, leading to jerky and discontinuous rotation due to the transmission of rotational force through a narrow instrument channel, making precise orientation and movement of asymmetrical instruments difficult.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism that converts rotational input at the proximal end into longitudinal force, which is then transformed into operational movements like rotation at the distal end, reducing friction and allowing smoother control through a housing, actuator, and force transfer elements with non-locking thread-type engagements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rotational force is transmitted through the instrument channel to control the surgical instrument, then the operator can control the instrument orientation, but friction between the instrument cable and channel walls causes jerky and discontinuous motion
Solution Approach 1:
A follower element is introduced as an intermediary component that converts rotational motion at the proximal end into longitudinal motion, which is then converted back to rotational motion at the distal end. This intermediary mechanism eliminates direct rotational force transmission through the instrument channel, thereby eliminating friction-related jerky motion while maintaining reliable and smooth instrument control.
2Ease of operation
If the entire instrument cord is rotated to control asymmetrical instrument orientation, then the instrument orientation can be controlled, but the device becomes unwieldy and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is segmented into two independent parts: the instrument channel remains stationary while a separate follower element attached to the instrument provides rotational control. This segmentation allows precise control of asymmetrical instrument orientation without rotating the entire instrument cord, significantly improving ease of operation while reducing operational complexity.
3Productivity
If rotational motion is transmitted along the instrument channel, then the distal instrument can rotate, but friction amplifies the jerky effect especially when the endoscope is flexed
Solution Approach 1:
The follower element acts as a mediator that transforms the control mechanism from direct rotational transmission to a two-stage conversion process (rotational to longitudinal, then longitudinal back to rotational). This eliminates friction between the instrument cable and channel walls, enabling precise and smooth instrument rotation even when the endoscope is flexed to navigate around corners.
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 provides intuitive and precise control over surgical instruments by minimizing friction and jerky motion, enabling smoother rotational movement and improved orientation of asymmetrical instruments within the endoscope channel.
Implementation Method 1
a proximal coupler operably engaged with the proximal actuator and elongate force transfer element to transform rotational movement of the proximal actuator relative to the housing into linear movement of the elongate force transfer element relative to the instrument channel
Implementation Method 2
a distal coupler operably engaged with the distal end effector and elongate force transfer element to transform linear movement of the elongate force transfer element relative to the instrument channel into an operational movement for the surgical instrument
Implementation Method 3
By converting longitudinal (i.e. axial motion) of the elongate force transfer element (which is sometimes referred to as a follower) into rotational motion at the distal end of the instrument channel rather than transmitting rotational motion along the whole length of the instrument channel, rotational motion of the instrument can be made smoother and less jerky
Data Source
AI summary
A movement transfer mechanism for a surgical scoping device, wherein a rotational proximal input force is transformed into a longitudinal force that is conveyed down the length of an instrument channel of the scoping device, where it is transformed again into an operational movement of a distal instrument. The operational movement can be rotational movement, but may be any movement that changes the orientation or configuration of the distal instrument. By conveying a linear force along the instrument channel rather than a twisting force, the problems of slipping and discontinuous operation of the distal instrument due to friction between the instrument and the instrument channel can be reduced or eliminated.