Manual Release Coupling for Surgical Instrument Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical device drive systems face challenges in manual operation, particularly when power failures or other events prevent surgical instruments from being retracted using telerobotic systems.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a rotational input, a coupling member, a first gear with an engagement feature, and a second gear coupled to a movable element. It has two system states: one where the coupling member is not engaged, allowing the first gear to rotate without moving the coupling member, and another where the coupling member is engaged, enabling rotation to move the movable element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a telerobotic system is used to retract surgical instruments, then automated control and precision are improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to power failures and system faults that prevent manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between automated telerobotic mode and manual operation mode. The coupling member can be engaged to connect manual input to the drive train, or disengaged to allow independent automated operation. This dynamic reconfigurability ensures the system can adapt to different operational conditions and maintain functionality during power failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member acts as an intermediary element between the manual input and the drive train. When engaged, it transmits manual rotational input to the gears; when disengaged, it isolates the manual input from the automated system. This intermediary mechanism enables seamless transition between operational modes without compromising either automated precision or manual backup capability.
2Reliability
If manual operation components are integrated into the drive system, then backup capability during power failure is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member serves multiple functions: it acts as an engagement mechanism to connect manual input, a disengagement mechanism to isolate manual input during automated operation, and a transmission element to transfer manual rotational motion to the drive train. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the design minimizes additional complexity while ensuring reliable backup capability.
3Ease of operation
If the coupling member is always engaged with the drive train, then manual operation is always available, but the gear cannot rotate independently during automated operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic engagement and disengagement of the coupling member. During automated operation, the coupling member is disengaged to allow the drive train to rotate independently without manual input interference. When manual operation is needed, the coupling member is engaged to connect the manual input to the drive train. This dynamic control resolves the conflict between continuous manual availability and independent automated rotation.
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
This configuration allows for manual retraction of medical device drive systems during power outages or system faults, ensuring continued operation and safety during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a first gear having an engagement feature sized and shaped to engage with the coupling member, and a second gear coupled with the first gear
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device drive system can include a rotational input, a coupling member engaged with the rotational input, a first gear having an engagement feature sized and shaped to engage with the coupling member, and a second gear coupled with the first gear, the second gear coupled to a movable element. The system can have a first system state and a second system state. In the first system state the coupling member is not engaged with the engagement feature and the first gear rotates without moving the coupling member. In the second system state the coupling member is engaged with the engagement feature of the first gear and rotation of the rotational input turns the coupling member, the first gear, and the second gear to move the movable element.