Laparoscopic Trainer Tool with Optical Jaw Opening Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laparoscopic training tools lack a simple and functional construction for both manual and virtual training, and they often require expensive disposable simulators and do not provide comprehensive evaluation of training performance.

Innovation Solution

A laparoscopic trainer with a working tool and manipulation and measurement set featuring a sensor unit for jaw opening detection, reflection sensors for depth and presence measurement, an encoder for rotation, and MEMS sensors for tilt, allowing for unobtrusive tracking of training parameters like movement trajectory, distance, velocity, and smoothness without altering the tool's external shape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If expensive disposable simulators are used for laparoscopic training, then training realism and performance evaluation are improved, but training costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining realismVSAvoidtraining costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a functional copy of the laparoscopic instrument using a sleeve that replicates the essential mechanical operations (jaw opening/closing, movement) without requiring expensive disposable simulators. The sensor units detect movements of this simplified copy to evaluate training performance, achieving realistic training at lower cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical sensor systems with optical sensors (reflection sensors, encoders) that detect position and movement through non-contact methods. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity and cost while maintaining measurement accuracy for training evaluation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If sensor units are added to the working tool for tracking movements, then measurement precision and training evaluation are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement tracking accuracyVSAvoidtool construction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the sensing function from the main instrument body and places it in separate sensor units (reflection sensors, encoders) that can detect movements independently. This separation allows precise measurement without adding complexity to the working tool itself, as the sensors operate independently to track sleeve and jaw movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs sensor units that serve multiple functions: reflection sensors detect both sleeve position and jaw opening/closing, while encoders track rotational movements. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of sensors needed, simplifying the overall system while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensors are integrated into the handle for comprehensive measurement, then training analysis capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining analysis capabilityVSAvoidhandle manipulation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary that processes data from multiple sensors (reflection sensors, encoders, tilt sensors) and translates complex measurements into simple performance metrics. This mediator handles the computational complexity, allowing the surgeon to operate the instrument intuitively without being burdened by the underlying measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables cost-effective, realistic training with full analysis of movement efficiency and smoothness, reducing training costs by allowing manual training on physical objects and virtual simulation without the need for expensive disposable simulators.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor unit (10) detecting the opening of jaws (5) of the working tip (4), housed within the handle (6) of the working tool (1) which comprises the first reflection sensor (11) and the first reflector (12)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

an encoder for rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEncoder:

Implementation Method 3

MEMS sensors for tilt

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMEMS: Microelectromechanical Systems

Data Source

PatentUS11610511B2Working tool and manipulation and measurement set of laparoscopic trainer

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 LAPARO SP ZOO

AI summary

This disclosure relates to a working tool of a laparoscopic trainer having the form of a sleeve provided with a handle with a fixed arm and a movable arm with a rigid tie rod for manipulating the jaws of the working tip. The working tool includes a sensor unit detecting the opening of jaws of the working tip, housed within the handle of the working tool which comprises the first reflection sensor and the first reflector, wherein one of these elements of the opening sensor is attached to the handle of the working tool, and the other is mounted on the tie rod. This disclosure relates also to a manipulation and measurement set of a laparoscopic trainer, including a working tool according to the disclosure and a trocar, wherein the trocar has a guide channel for the slidable placement of the working tool therein.