Surgical Tool Flex Circuit Articulation Dynamics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments face challenges in maintaining the integrity and functionality of flex circuits during articulation, as they often require strain relief or changes in effective length, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential interference with other components.
Innovation Solution
The surgical instrument employs a flex circuit with an intermediate portion that remains folded and relaxed as the end effector is articulated, maintaining a consistent effective length and avoiding the need for strain relief or changes in length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the flex circuit is rigidly fixed to maintain its path, then the structural stability is improved, but the articulation range of the end effector is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flex circuit is designed with a movable intermediate portion that can dynamically change its configuration as the end effector articulates. The intermediate portion moves between a first configuration during articulation and a second configuration during return, allowing the flex circuit to adapt to different positions while maintaining electrical connectivity and avoiding interference with the articulation joint assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the flex circuit allows strain relief during articulation, then the articulation range is improved, but the reliability of the flex circuit connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flex circuit incorporates a movable intermediate portion that dynamically adjusts its position and configuration during articulation and return movements. This dynamic design allows the flex circuit to accommodate the full articulation range while maintaining reliable electrical connections through controlled movement rather than strain relief mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flex circuit changes its effective length during articulation, then the articulation flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flex circuit employs a movable intermediate portion that changes its spatial configuration rather than its effective length. The intermediate portion moves between configurations during articulation and return, providing articulation flexibility while maintaining a consistent electrical pathway and avoiding the complexity associated with length-changing mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes an end effector comprising first and second jaws, and a longitudinal channel; an articulation joint assembly. The end effector extends along a central longitudinal axis in an unarticulated position, and wherein the end effector is articulatable about an articulation joint toward a fully articulated position on a first side of the unarticulated position. A flex circuit is to transmit at least one of data or power through the articulation joint. The flex circuit is offset from the central longitudinal axis, and comprises a proximal flex-circuit portion positioned in the shaft, a distal flex-circuit portion positioned in the end effector, and an intermediate flex-circuit portion positioned in a cavity defined by the articulation joint assembly. The intermediate flex-circuit portion maintains a relaxed curved state with an unchanged effective length as the end effector is articulated toward the fully articulated position.