Helical Lumen Articulation Joint for Surgical Instruments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical instruments lack efficient multi-planar articulation joints that enable precise and flexible movement of end effectors during robotic-assisted surgeries, limiting the ability to perform complex tissue manipulation and precision tasks.

Innovation Solution

The development of a surgical instrument with a multi-planar articulation joint system that includes a proximal and distal articulation joint interface and a core, allowing the end effector to be articulated about multiple axes, supported by a helical lumen configuration to maintain elongate member positioning and prevent catching or over-compression during deflection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional articulation joints are used in surgical instruments, then the structure is simpler, but the ability to perform precise multi-planar movement and complex tissue manipulation is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-planar articulation capabilityVSAvoidarticulation joint structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The articulation joint is divided into multiple independent components including a first articulation joint interface, a second articulation joint interface, and an articulation joint core. Each component can move independently about different articulation axes, enabling multi-planar movement while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces multiple articulation axes (first articulation axis, second articulation axis) that operate in different planes. This multi-dimensional approach allows the end effector to achieve complex spatial positioning and orientation capabilities beyond what single-axis joints can provide

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If elongate members are positioned closely together to reduce size, then the instrument is more compact, but catching and over-compression occur during deflection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument sizeVSAvoidelongate member positioning stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The helical lumen configuration is designed in advance to anticipate and prevent catching and over-compression issues. The helical path provides built-in clearance and guidance that prevents elongate members from contacting each other or binding during articulation, ensuring reliable operation before problems can occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The helical lumen configuration uses a curved, spiral path instead of straight or angular routes. This curvature allows elongate members to follow a smooth trajectory during articulation, preventing sharp bends, catching, and over-compression while maintaining compact instrument dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of manufacture

If straight lumen configuration is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but elongate members experience catching and over-compression during articulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelumen configuration fabricationVSAvoidarticulation smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS11857283B2Articulation joint with helical lumen

Publication Date: 2024.01.02 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

A surgical instrument and method of operating same includes an end effector and a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly has proximal and distal shaft portions respectively extending along proximal and distal axes, a first elongate member, and an articulation section. The articulation section extends between the proximal and distal shaft portions and is configured to articulate about a first articulation axis and about a second articulation axis to thereby respectively deflect the end effector along a first plane and a second plane. The articulation section has a first lumen radially offset from the proximal and distal axes that longitudinally intersects the first and second articulation axes. The first lumen movably supports the first elongate member such that the radial spacing of the first elongate member is maintained relative to the proximal and distal axes at each of the first and second articulation axes during deflection of the end effector.