Locking Articulation Drive Wheel for Surgical Instrument Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic surgical instruments lack effective mechanisms to prevent inadvertent deflection of the articulation section, which can compromise precision during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an articulation control assembly with a transmission assembly that locks when not manipulated, inhibiting actuation of the articulation section, and unlocks with selective manipulation to allow controlled articulation, using features like bevel gears and resilient drive shafts to maintain rigidity and prevent unintended movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the articulation section is made flexible to allow deflection, then adaptability is improved, but stability deteriorates due to inadvertent deflections
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation section is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to be flexible during controlled articulation movements while maintaining stability when locked. The transmission assembly enables the articulation section to transition between a locked stable state and an unlocked flexible state, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the rigidity parameter of the articulation section by engaging or disengaging the transmission assembly. When the transmission assembly is engaged, the articulation section becomes rigid and stable; when disengaged, it becomes flexible and adaptable. This parameter change allows the system to have both stability and adaptability at different operational states.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent inadvertent deflection, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission assembly is designed to automatically lock and unlock based on the presence or absence of articulation forces. When articulation forces are applied, the assembly unlocks to allow movement; when forces are removed, it automatically locks to prevent inadvertent deflection. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for additional complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking and unlocking functions are merged into a single transmission assembly that handles both articulation control and stability locking. By combining these functions into one integrated mechanism rather than separate systems, the overall device complexity is minimized while achieving the desired stability.
3Ease of operation
If the transmission assembly is designed to lock automatically, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential unintended locking
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission assembly incorporates feedback mechanisms that detect when articulation forces are applied and automatically respond by unlocking to allow movement. When forces are removed, the system feedbacks the locked state to prevent inadvertent deflection. This feedback loop ensures the system responds reliably to actual operational needs rather than locking or unlocking indiscriminately.
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
Enhances precision and control over the articulation of the surgical instrument's end effector, reducing inadvertent deflections and improving surgical accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the transmission assembly includes a bevel gear and a driven gear with a plurality of teeth configured to engage the bevel gear
Implementation Method 2
unlocks with selective manipulation to allow controlled articulation, using features like bevel gears and resilient drive shafts to maintain rigidity and prevent unintended movements
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a shaft assembly and an articulation control assembly. The shaft assembly includes an articulation section that is configured to deflect a distal end portion from the longitudinal axis. The articulation control assembly includes an articulation control member and a transmission assembly. The articulation control member is rotatably mounted relative to the shaft assembly. The transmission assembly is operatively connected between the articulation control member and the articulation section of the shaft assembly. The transmission assembly is configured to transmit selective manipulation of the articulation control member to the articulation section and selectively actuate the articulation section. The articulation control assembly is configured to lock without selective manipulation of the articulation control member to thereby inhibit actuation of the articulation section and unlock with selective manipulation of the articulation control member to thereby actuate the articulation section.