Grip-Driven Linear Member Motion for Precise Surgical Tool Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical instruments, such as catheters and guide wires, face challenges in precise insertion and rotation due to the need for excessive force and limited rotation angles, leading to potential damage and difficulty in performing procedures efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A linear member moving device with a pair of grip members and driving modules that allow for both linear movement and rotation of surgical tools, featuring a main body, first and second grip members, and driving modules to facilitate precise control and reduced device size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a roller structure is used to insert surgical tools, then frictional force is obtained for insertion, but excessive force is required which causes damage to the surgical tool and makes precise insertion difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical tool integrityVSAvoidinsertion force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into multiple independent grip members (first grip members and second grip members) that can independently contact and control the surgical tool. This segmentation allows distributed force application rather than concentrated roller pressure, reducing damage risk while maintaining insertion capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a roller to push the tool forward (conventional approach), the invention uses grip members that grip and pull the tool through friction. The second grip members pressurize the first grip members which then grip the tool, inverting the conventional push mechanism into a grip-and-pull mechanism that exerts less damaging force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the entire device is rotated to rotate the surgical tool, then rotation is achieved, but the device volume becomes excessively large and strong force is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation capabilityVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation function is segmented from the main device body and assigned to specific first grip members that can rotate independently about the central axis. This allows the surgical tool to be rotated without rotating the entire device, significantly reducing the required device volume while maintaining full rotation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges multiple functions (gripping, linear movement, and rotation) into a compact integrated system where the first grip members serve both as gripping elements and rotation actuators. This combination eliminates the need for separate rotation mechanisms, reducing overall device volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a roller is used to rotate the surgical tool, then rotation is achieved, but the rotation angle is limited and it cannot be applied to a linear automatic inserter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation angle rangeVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a roller to rotate the tool (conventional method), the invention uses grip members that grip the tool and rotate it through frictional contact. This inversion of the rotation mechanism allows for unlimited rotation angles since the grip members can rotate freely about the central axis without mechanical constraints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The first grip members are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as gripping elements for linear insertion and as rotation actuators. This universal design allows the same component to perform both insertion and rotation functions, making the system adaptable to various surgical procedures without limiting rotation angle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250375591A1Linear member moving device and linear member moving system

Publication Date: 2025.12.11 ENDO ROBOTICS CO LTD

AI summary

A linear member moving device moves a linear member in an extension direction of the linear member, and includes a main body, a pair of first grip members that is disposed to face each other with the linear member interposed therebetween and operatively supported by the main body to grip or release the grip of the linear member, and a pair of second grip members that is disposed to face each other with the pair of first grip members interposed therebetween and that pressurizes or depressurizes the pair of first grip members so that the pair of first grip members grips or releases the grip of the linear member and operatively supported by the main body to move in the extension direction of the linear member.