Lockable End Effector Socket for Modular Surgical Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments lack versatility and efficiency in performing multiple functions such as grasping, dissecting, clipping, and suturing due to limited articulation and rotation capabilities, and often require manual dexterity that can be tiring and prone to error.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument system with a modular design featuring a handle and shaft assemblies that include a drive module with an electric motor, speed reduction gear, and articulation joint, allowing for rotatable and articulatable end effectors that can be selectively configured for different surgical tasks through a clutch system and powered by interchangeable power modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If surgical instruments use manual operation, then operator control is direct, but operator fatigue increases and precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electric motor system. The electric motor receives rotational input and converts it to controlled rotational or articulation movements of the end effector through a gear system, eliminating the need for manual dexterity while maintaining precise control through electrical actuation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If surgical instruments have fixed functionality, then device complexity is low, but versatility for multiple surgical tasks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal surgical instrument platform where a single instrument can perform multiple surgical functions (grasping, dissecting, clipping, suturing) by replacing the end effector module. The standardized interface and drive system allow different end effectors to be attached to the same instrument body, providing versatility without requiring multiple separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the surgical instrument into modular components: a reusable instrument body containing the motor and drive system, and interchangeable end effector modules. This segmentation allows the complex multi-functional instrument to be broken into manageable parts, where the complex drive system is isolated in the handle while the end effectors remain relatively simple replaceable components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If surgical instruments lack articulation and rotation capability, then device complexity is low, but functional versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical articulation mechanisms with an electric motor-driven system. The electric motor provides rotational input that can be converted to articulation movements through the gear system, enabling the end effector to articulate and rotate electrically rather than through complex passive mechanical joints.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument comprising a shaft and an end effector is disclosed. The end effector is releasably attachable to the shaft by a lock biased into a locked condition to hold the end effector to the shaft.