Endoscopic Jaw Articulation Gear Drive Against Inadvertent Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical surgical devices are costly to manufacture and operate, and their complex power transmission mechanisms can lead to unintended operation, potentially causing damage or injury due to inadvertent actuation.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device with a jaw assembly, articulating assembly, and drive shaft system that includes a gear element meshingly engaged with a pivoting gear element, featuring a pivot pin and stops to ensure controlled movement and safety through a motor-driven mechanism, allowing for precise actuation of disposable units while preventing backdrive and external force-induced rotation during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex electromechanical linkages are used to transmit power from handle assemblies to disposable loading units, then the devices can perform sophisticated surgical functions, but the complexity increases the risk of inadvertent actuation and unintended operation
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical device is divided into a reusable handle assembly and a disposable loading unit that can be selectively connected and disconnected. This segmentation isolates the complex electromechanical linkages to the disposable portion, which is then discarded after use, eliminating the risk of inadvertent actuation of the reusable handle assembly and reducing the overall system complexity that could lead to unintended operation.
Solution Approach 2:
An electromechanical transmission system acts as an intermediary between the motor in the handle assembly and the surgical members in the disposable loading unit. This transmission system includes controlled linkages that can be selectively engaged or disengaged, providing a safety mechanism that prevents inadvertent actuation while still enabling sophisticated surgical functions when properly connected.
2Adaptability or versatility
If expensive electromechanical surgical devices with complex power transmission mechanisms are manufactured, then sophisticated surgical procedures can be performed, but the manufacturing and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into expensive reusable handle assemblies and inexpensive disposable loading units, the manufacturing cost is distributed strategically. The complex electromechanical components that require precision manufacturing are confined to the reusable handle, while the disposable units can be manufactured more simply and discarded after single use, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable loading units are designed as single-use components that contain the surgical members and basic mechanical linkages. These inexpensive, short-living components eliminate the need for expensive sterilization and maintenance infrastructure, reducing operational costs while still enabling sophisticated surgical procedures through the reusable handle assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If removable disposable loading units are used to reduce cost and improve safety, then manufacturing expenses decrease, but the device complexity increases due to the need for selective connection and disconnection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is designed with a universal interface that can selectively receive different types of disposable loading units. This multi-functional design allows the same handle assembly to work with various surgical members (staples, clips, fasteners, etc.) through standardized connection mechanisms, reducing the need for multiple specialized handles while maintaining the ability to perform diverse surgical functions.
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
The solution reduces manufacturing and operational costs while enhancing safety and control, preventing unintended device activation and ensuring precise operation of disposable units, thus minimizing the risk of tissue damage or injury.
Implementation Method 1
The drive shaft is disposed within the proximal joint member and includes a gear element that is meshingly engaged with a pivoting gear element. The pivoting gear element is fixedly coupled to the pivot pin. Longitudinal movement of the first drive shaft pivots the jaw assembly relative to the proximal joint member about a pivot axis defined by the pivot pin.
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical device includes a jaw assembly, an articulating assembly and a drive shaft. The jaw assembly includes first and second jaws. The articulating assembly is removably coupled to a proximal end of the jaw assembly and includes a distal joint member, a proximal joint member, and a pivot pin. The pivot pin is fixedly coupled to the distal joint member and is rotatably coupled to the proximal joint member. The jaw assembly and the distal joint member together define a first longitudinal axis. The proximal joint member defines a second longitudinal axis. The drive shaft includes a gear element that is meshingly engaged with a pivoting gear element that is fixedly coupled to the pivot pin. Longitudinal movement of the first drive shaft pivots the jaw assembly relative to the proximal joint member about a pivot axis defined by the pivot pin.