Endoscopic Jaw Articulation via Camming Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic surgical stapling devices lack advanced articulation mechanisms that allow for precise manipulation in confined spaces, limiting their effectiveness in laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device with a pivoting linkage system, including a distal and proximal joint member, camming assembly, and gearing assemblies, which enables the jaw assembly to pivot and articulate relative to the shaft, allowing for enhanced manipulation and control of the tool member in various configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional rigid stapling device is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the device cannot be manipulated precisely in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple articulated segments including a shaft, jaw assembly, and pivoting linkage with distal and proximal joint members. Each segment can move independently to achieve complex positioning in confined spaces while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic articulated system with multiple degrees of freedom. The pivoting linkage allows the jaw assembly to pivot relative to the shaft, enabling precise manipulation in confined spaces while the camming assembly provides controlled motion throughout the procedure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the jaw assembly is made articatable for better access, then the surgeon can manipulate the tool in confined spaces, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting linkage is nested within the shaft structure, with the distal joint member positioned at the distal end of the shaft and the proximal joint member more proximal. This nested arrangement allows multiple articulation functions within a compact form factor, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The camming assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism that simplifies the control of the pivoting linkage. By using cam surfaces and cam followers, complex multi-axis articulation is achieved through a single actuation motion, reducing the operational complexity despite the increased structural complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If a camming assembly is added for controlled pivoting, then the jaw assembly can pivot precisely, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camming assembly is designed to be self-actuating through the natural motion of the drive shaft. As the drive shaft advances, it automatically engages the cam surfaces, which then guide the pivoting linkage through its required motion arc. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate actuators or complex control systems, reducing operational complexity while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device has a jaw assembly with a first jaw and a second jaw, a pivoting linkage, and a camming assembly configured to pivot the jaw assembly. A cam slot having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion may have a Y shaped configuration. A flexible shaft allows further pivoting of the jaw assembly.