Lockable End Effector Socket for Surgical Instruments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments lack efficient mechanisms for articulation and rotation of end effectors relative to the shaft, which limits their maneuverability and precision during minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument system with a handle, shaft, and end effector assembly that includes a rotatable and translatable jaw actuation mechanism, utilizing a drive module with an electric motor and speed reduction gear, and clutch systems for controlled articulation and rotation of the end effector, allowing precise positioning and manipulation of tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If end effectors are made articulating and rotatable to improve maneuverability, then precision and maneuverability are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional drive elements and coupling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The drive elements are nested within the shaft structure, with first drive elements positioned concentrically within second drive elements. This nesting allows multiple drive functions (articulation, rotation, translation) to be integrated within the same spatial envelope, adding capability without proportionally increasing external complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector system is segmented into modular components including replaceable end effectors, articulation joints, and drive modules. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and simplifies the overall system by breaking down complex functions into manageable segments that can be assembled and disassembled
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drive elements are added to enable articulation and rotation, then precision and versatility are improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to increased assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The drive elements are designed with universal coupling mechanisms that can accommodate multiple functions (articulation, rotation, translation) through the same basic interface. The first and second drive elements use standardized coupling features that allow them to be interconnected in various configurations, reducing the need for custom-manufactured components for each specific function
Solution Approach 2:
The drive elements are pre-assembled as integrated units with built-in coupling mechanisms before final installation in the surgical instrument. This preliminary assembly allows for quality control and testing to be performed on sub-assemblies, simplifying the final manufacturing process and reducing assembly complexity at the final integration stage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
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.