Flexible Shaft Torque Transfer Track for Precise Endoscopic Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical instruments face challenges in efficiently delivering rotational control to flexible shafts within narrow and elongated instrument channels of surgical scopes, leading to potential damage and loss of control during procedures, especially in endoscopic surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A torque transfer unit with an elongate track and key arrangement that decouples rotational control from axial adjustment, allowing secure gripping and reduced strain on the flexible shaft, featuring a clamping element to adjust the key's position relative to the track passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional torque transfer mechanism is used to rotate the flexible shaft, then rotational control can be achieved, but the mechanism causes excessive strain and potential damage to the flexible shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The torque transfer unit is segmented into distinct functional components: a gripping element for axial engagement, a torque transfer element for rotational force transmission, and a flexible shaft. This segmentation allows the gripping element to provide axial positioning without transmitting excessive torque, while the torque transfer element is specifically designed to rotate within the gripping element, reducing strain on the flexible shaft during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque transfer element is designed to dynamically rotate within the gripping element during operation. This dynamic movement allows the system to adapt to the flexible shaft's movement and reduce strain, as the torque transfer element can move independently rather than rigidly coupling the rotation force to the shaft, thereby preventing damage.
2Reliability
If the torque transfer unit tightly grips the flexible shaft to prevent slippage, then rotational force transfer is improved, but the strain on the flexible shaft increases causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping element and torque transfer element are separated into distinct components. The gripping element provides a tight axial grip to prevent slippage, while the torque transfer element rotates within it. This segmentation allows the gripping element to maintain reliable rotational force transfer without the torque element directly transmitting excessive strain to the flexible shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque transfer element acts as an intermediary between the gripping element and the flexible shaft. It receives rotational force from the gripping element and transfers it to the flexible shaft in a controlled manner, reducing the peak strains that would otherwise be directly applied to the shaft during rotation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the torque transfer unit allows axial movement of the key to adjust position, then adaptability is improved, but rotational control may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The axial adjustment function and rotational control function are segmented into separate elements. The gripping element can move axially within the elongate track to adjust the position of the torque transfer unit, while the torque transfer element maintains rotational engagement with the flexible shaft. This segmentation allows independent optimization of both axial adaptability and rotational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between axial movement mode and rotational control mode. During axial adjustment, the gripping element moves along the track while the torque transfer element remains engaged with the shaft. During rotation, the torque transfer element rotates within the gripping element, maintaining rotational control while allowing the gripping element to remain stationary axially.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments provide a torque transfer unit for rotating a flexible shaft. The torque transfer unit comprises an elongate track defining a track passage, and a key attachable to the flexible shaft and movable along the track passage. The key and the elongate track are configured to engage each other to inhibit relative rotation of the key and the track passage. The torque transfer unit is actuatable to selectively adjust an axial position of the key relative to the track passage. Some other embodiments provide a kit of parts.