Lever-Link Deployment Mechanism for Electrosurgical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-functional surgical instruments face challenges in deploying multiple functional components due to spatial and functional constraints, leading to complex and costly deployment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A deployment mechanism for electrosurgical instruments featuring a lever, link members, and an outer sleeve that translates over an end effector assembly, allowing for easy operation and manufacturing, enabling both bipolar and monopolar modes of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functional components are added to the surgical instrument, then the instrument can perform bipolar and monopolar modes of operation, but the deployment mechanism becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it deploys both the outer sleeve and the energizable member (cutting element) using a single integrated structure. The mechanism can accommodate both bipolar (end effector only) and monopolar (end effector plus cutting element) modes of operation, making it universal for multi-functional surgical instruments
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment mechanism combines the deployment of two separate components (outer sleeve and energizable member) into a single integrated system. The lever, link members, and outer sleeve work together as a unified mechanism that simultaneously deploys both components, reducing the need for separate deployment structures
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple deployment structures are added to handle additional functional components, then all components can be deployed, but spatial constraints within the housing are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The energizable member is nested within the outer sleeve, and both are deployed through a compact integrated mechanism that fits within the housing. The link members and lever are arranged in a nested configuration that minimizes the space required for the deployment mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment mechanism utilizes rotational motion of the lever and pivoting link members to achieve linear deployment of the outer sleeve and energizable member. This dimensional transformation allows compact packaging of the mechanism within the housing while maintaining full deployment capability
3Device complexity
If combined deployment structures are used to reduce component count, then spatial constraints are addressed, but additional force requirements complicate the operation
Solution Approach 1:
The link members are designed to change their mechanical advantage dynamically during the deployment sequence. As the lever rotates and link members pivot, the force distribution changes to optimize the force required at different stages of deployment, reducing peak force requirements while maintaining deployment capability
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical instrument includes a housing, a shaft extending from the housing, and an end effector assembly attached at a distal end of the shaft. A handle assembly is coupled to the housing and includes a movable handle for manipulating the end effector assembly. An outer sleeve is disposed about the shaft and selectively translatable relative thereto. An energizable member is operably coupled to the outer sleeve. A deployment mechanism is provided including a lever rotatably coupled to the housing and positioned proximally of the movable handle and at least one link member coupled between the lever and the outer sleeve. The link member(s) couple to the outer sleeve distally of the movable handle. Rotation of the lever translates the outer sleeve distally to move the outer sleeve over the end effector assembly and simultaneously deploy the energizable member distally past the end effector assembly.