Magnetic Actuation for Surgical Instrument Articulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical stapling instruments require significant manual dexterity and often necessitate the use of both hands, limiting a surgeon's ability to perform other tasks during procedures due to the need to articulate and operate the end effector simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A surgical instrument incorporating magnetic elements, including electromagnets and permanent magnets, to articulate and rotate the end effector, allowing for single-handed operation by generating magnetic fields to pivot and lock the end effector, enabling independent control of articulation and staple firing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional mechanical articulation mechanisms are used, then the end effector can be articulated relative to the shaft, but the surgeon must use both hands to operate the instrument, reducing operational efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoiddual-handed manipulation requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical articulation mechanisms with an electromagnetic system. Electromagnets mounted on the shaft interact with magnetic elements on the end effector to provide articulation control, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and allowing single-handed operation while maintaining articulation functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the shaft and end effector. The electromagnetic interaction through the magnetic field enables articulation control without direct mechanical contact, allowing for more intuitive and efficient single-handed manipulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical linkages and levers are used for articulation, then the end effector can be positioned, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveend effector positioning capabilityVSAvoidmechanical linkage complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates complex mechanical linkages, pivots, and levers by using electromagnetic forces for articulation. Electromagnets on the shaft interact with magnetic elements on the end effector to achieve positioning without mechanical connections, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining full articulation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic system serves multiple functions: it provides articulation control, maintains positioning, and enables single-handed operation all through the same magnetic interaction mechanism, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate mechanical subsystems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 surgeons to perform surgical tasks with one hand, improving operational efficiency and reducing the need for dual-handed manipulation, thereby enhancing procedural flexibility and reducing manual workload.

Implementation Method 1

at least one electromagnet which can be selectively activated, or polarized, to generate a magnetic field sufficient to motivate at least one second magnetic element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

generate a magnetic field sufficient to motivate at least one second magnetic element, such as a permanent magnet and/or an iron core

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic interaction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

at least one solenoid which can be configured to pivot an end effector of the surgical instrument

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolenoid actuation: Solenoid

Implementation Method 4

a motor which can be configured to pivot an end effector of the surgical instrument. In certain embodiments, the motor can comprise windings which can be selectively energized to rotate an iron core

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10758233B2Articulatable surgical instrument comprising a firing drive

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise a plurality of magnetic elements configured to articulate an end effector of the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument can comprise at least one electromagnet which can be selectively activated, or polarized, to generate a magnetic field sufficient to motivate a second magnetic element, such as a permanent magnet and/or an iron core, for example, mounted to the end effector. In certain embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise a plurality of magnetic elements configured to open and/or close an end effector of the surgical instrument. In at least one embodiment, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise a plurality of magnetic elements configured to advance and/or retract a firing bar, cutting member, and/or staple sled within the surgical instrument in order to incise and/or staple tissue positioned within an end effector of the surgical instrument.