Fluid-Driven Medical Instrument Rotation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical instruments with rotation mechanisms, such as endoscopic devices and surgical staplers, face challenges in efficiently transmitting rotational power through narrow lumens due to limitations in space and potential fluid leakage, which can hinder the operation of the rotation mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A medical instrument design featuring a power transmission member with external teeth and a rotation member with internal teeth, where fluid is used to rotate the power transmission member, which in turn rotates the rotation member, allowing for efficient power transmission and minimizing fluid leakage through an annular flow path and seal members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a wire or cable is used to transmit rotational torque through the insertion section, then the rotation mechanism can be operated, but the transmission efficiency is reduced and space is wasted in the narrow lumen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire/cable transmission system with a fluid-driven rotation mechanism. Fluid is supplied through a fluid duct to blades on the power transmission member, causing it to rotate. This hydraulic/pneumatic approach eliminates the need for thick mechanical cables, improving transmission efficiency while reducing space occupation in the narrow lumen environment.
2Duration of action of moving object
If fluid is used to rotate the power transmission member, then continuous operation is enabled, but fluid leakage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation member with internal teeth is nested inside the power transmission member with external teeth, forming a gear mesh structure. This nested configuration allows the fluid-driven rotation to be transmitted reliably while the gear engagement provides mechanical coupling that maintains continuous operation. The seal member is positioned at the interface between these nested components to prevent fluid leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member acts as an intermediary element between the fluid supply system and the external environment. It is positioned at the interface where the power transmission member rotates, preventing fluid from escaping while allowing the rotational motion to continue uninterrupted. This mediator component resolves the contradiction between continuous fluid-driven operation and leakage prevention.
3Power
If the power transmission member is rotated by fluid supply, then efficient power transmission is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The power transmission member serves multiple functions: it acts as both the fluid distribution channel (with blades that receive fluid) and the rotational power transmission element (with external teeth that engage the internal teeth). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, achieving efficient power transmission while limiting structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the fluid transmission function and mechanical rotation function into a single integrated power transmission member. The blades for fluid reception and the external teeth for gear engagement are combined on the same component, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining efficient power transmission from the fluid source to the rotation mechanism.
4Reliability
If internal teeth and external teeth are used for power transmission, then rotational power is transmitted reliably, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gear system is segmented into two distinct components: the power transmission member with external teeth and the rotation member with internal teeth. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled separately, with the teeth designed to mesh together. The segmentation approach enables reliable power transmission while managing manufacturing precision requirements through modular assembly rather than requiring a single complex precision component.
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
This design enables efficient rotation of the medical instrument's components, even in confined spaces, with continuous operation and reduced fluid leakage, utilizing water or gas as a transmission medium, thereby enhancing procedural efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a power transmission member configured to rotate by receiving power generated in a blade due to supply of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A medical instrument includes an insertion section main body extending along a longitudinal axis, a rotation supporter attached to the insertion section main body, a power transmission member rotatably supported by the rotation supporter and having a blade to which a fluid is supplied, external teeth arranged on an outer circumferential surface of the power transmission member in a circumferential direction, a tubular rotation member disposed outside the power transmission member in a radial direction, internal teeth arranged on an inner circumferential surface of the rotation member in the circumferential direction, and a fluid duct configured to supply the fluid to the blade. The power transmission member is configured to rotate by receiving power generated in the blade due to supply of the fluid. The rotation member is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis by receiving the power from the power transmission member as the internal teeth are meshed with the external teeth.