Handheld Surgical Adapter Assembly for Rotary-to-Linear Drives

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical devices with rotary motion power delivery are not compatible with linear-driven end effectors, necessitating adapters to interface between these systems for functions like clamping, cutting, and stapling.

Innovation Solution

An electromechanical surgical system with an adapter assembly that converts rotary motion from the surgical device to axial translation in the end effector, using drive converter assemblies to connect and transmit power between rotary and linear systems, enabling functions such as end effector closure, firing, articulation, and rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If rotary motion power delivery is used in surgical devices, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but compatibility with linear-driven end effectors deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmission efficiencyVSAvoidcompatibility with linear-driven end effectors

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A drive converter assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the rotary drive shaft and the linear-driven end effector. The drive converter assembly includes a rotary-to-linear conversion mechanism that transforms rotational motion from the motor into linear motion to drive the end effector, thereby enabling compatibility between rotary-driven surgical devices and linear-driven end effectors while maintaining power transmission efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If adapters are added to interface between rotary and linear systems, then compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility between rotary devices and linear effectorsVSAvoidcomplexity of adapter assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter assembly merges multiple functional components into a single integrated unit. The drive converter assembly combines the rotary-to-linear conversion mechanism, coupling elements, and drive transmission components into one unified adapter structure that interfaces between the rotary surgical device and linear end effector, reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying assembly while maintaining compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates the use of rotary-driven surgical devices with linear-driven end effectors, enhancing compatibility and functionality in surgical procedures by allowing for efficient conversion of rotational to linear motion for clamping, cutting, and stapling operations.

Implementation Method 1

drive converter assemblies to connect and transmit power between rotary and linear systems

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotary to linear motion conversion: Worm Drive

Data Source

PatentUS12458352B2Hand held surgical handle assembly, surgical adapters for use between surgical handle assembly and surgical end effectors, and methods of use

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

An adapter assembly selectively interconnects a surgical end effector that is configured to perform at least a pair of functions and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector. The end effector includes a first axially translatable drive member and a second axially translatable drive member. The surgical device includes a first rotatable drive shaft and a second rotatable drive shaft.