Laparoscopic Tool Pivoting to Prevent Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single port laparoscopic procedures face challenges in tool interference and difficulty in accessing target sites due to the use of straight tools, which complicates the manipulation of multiple tools simultaneously, and requires improved systems for supporting tools relative to the transcutaneous seal with minimal interference and maximum open port area.
Innovation Solution
A laparoscopic tool system with a frame having a central opening and tools pivotally attached on its periphery, allowing tools to pivot in multiple vertical planes without interference, featuring semi-circular mid-portions that extend radially inward to avoid collisions, and a transcutaneous incision seal with rocking attachment blocks and vertical support arms for tool attachment, enabling independent movement and intuitive manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional straight laparoscopic tools are used through a single port, then the procedure can be performed with minimal incisions, but the tools interfere with each other and it becomes difficult to approach target areas with multiple tools simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a curved mid-portion in the tools that allows them to pivot and move in multiple planes (not just linearly), adding dimensional freedom to tool movement. This enables tools to approach the target area from different angles without interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction between minimizing tool interference and maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tools are designed with curved mid-portions that enable dynamic pivoting motion in multiple planes rather than fixed straight paths. This dynamic capability allows the tools to adapt their trajectories independently, preventing interference while maintaining access to target areas, thus resolving the contradiction between tool interference and operational ease.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If tools are mounted within the transcutaneous seal, then a fixed geometric relationship can be maintained to prevent interference, but the mounting structure becomes complex and reduces the open port area
Solution Approach 1:
The tool mounting system is segmented into separate rocking attachment blocks for each tool, rather than a single complex fixed mounting structure. Each block independently supports one tool and allows pivoting motion, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining interference prevention through the curved tool paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure uses dynamic rocking attachment blocks that allow tools to pivot independently rather than fixed rigid mounting. This dynamic approach maintains the geometric relationship needed to prevent interference while simplifying the structure and maximizing the open port area compared to complex fixed mounting systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If tools are constrained to a fixed geometric relationship within the transcutaneous seal, then interference is prevented, but the tools become difficult to manipulate intuitively
Solution Approach 1:
The tools are mounted on rocking attachment blocks that allow dynamic pivoting in multiple planes while maintaining proper geometric relationships. This dynamic mounting enables intuitive manipulation similar to conventional multi-port laparoscopy while preventing tool interference through the curved mid-portion design.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved mid-portion allows tools to move in multiple planes rather than being constrained to a single plane or fixed path. This dimensional freedom enables intuitive manipulation while the curved geometry maintains the geometric relationship needed to prevent interference, resolving the contradiction between fixed relationship and intuitive operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for performing single port laparoscopic procedures includes a deployment frame and a plurality of tools. The tools are pivotally mounted on the frame and have end effectors which are translatably and rotatably disposed in the tool. A handle at the proximal end of the tool controls an end effector at the distal end of the tool. Movement of the tools relative to the frame is constrained so that they remain in a fixed geometric relationship which prevents the tools from interfering with each other during laparoscopic procedures.