Floating Transmission Assembly for Long-Range Instrument Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transmission assemblies for remotely-controlled instruments face challenges in providing a compact and simple architecture that enables the insertion degree of freedom of motion while delivering strong pushing forces and maintaining the integrity of rotational actuation elements during relative translation between the instrument shaft and transmission assembly.
Innovation Solution
A transmission assembly design that includes a rotational actuation element coupled to a drive member via a gear assembly, allowing it to float relative to the transmission assembly, and a drive shaft that translates with the instrument shaft, ensuring the rotational actuation element remains stationary relative to the shaft, coupled with a rotatory-to-linear conversion mechanism for delivering strong pushing forces over a long range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the transmission assembly is designed to deliver strong pushing forces over a long range, then the pushing force capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational actuation element is designed to float relative to the transmission assembly, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position while maintaining rotational engagement. This dynamic configuration enables the system to deliver strong pushing forces through the lead screw mechanism while avoiding the complexity of rigid fixed-position connections, as the floating arrangement naturally accommodates the force transmission requirements without additional complex constraints.
2Force
If the transmission assembly uses a rotatory-to-linear conversion mechanism, then the pushing force delivery is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gear assembly and lead screw mechanism are merged into an integrated unit where the rotational actuation element directly engages with both the gear teeth and the lead screw threads. This combination eliminates the need for separate conversion mechanisms, as the single rotational element performs both gear-driven motion control and linear force transmission through the lead screw, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining strong pushing force delivery.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the rotational actuation element floats relative to the transmission assembly, then the stability of rotational actuation elements is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The floating rotational actuation element is designed to self-stabilize through its engagement with the gear assembly and lead screw mechanism. As the element rotates and translates, the gear teeth and thread profiles automatically maintain proper alignment and rotational stability without requiring additional external stabilization mechanisms. The floating arrangement itself becomes the stabilization feature, as it allows the element to naturally find and maintain its correct operational position through the mechanical constraints of the engaged components.
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
Enables a compact transmission assembly capable of delivering strong pushing forces over a long range while maintaining the stability and functionality of rotational actuation elements, enhancing the performance of instruments with complex motion requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a rotational actuation element coupled to a drive member via a gear assembly
Implementation Method 2
coupled with a rotatory-to-linear conversion mechanism for delivering strong pushing forces over a long range
Data Source
AI summary
A medical instrument comprises an instrument shaft, a movable component coupled to the instrument shaft, a rotational actuation element extending through the instrument shaft and operably coupled to the movable component, and a transmission assembly movably coupled to the instrument shaft. The transmission assembly comprises a first drive member configured to drive translation of the instrument shaft relative to the transmission assembly, and a second drive member coupled to the rotational actuation element and configured to drive rotation of the rotational actuation element. Translation of the instrument shaft relative to the transmission assembly causes translation of the rotational actuation element relative to the transmission assembly.