Manual Release Coupling for Surgical Drive Train Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical device drive systems face challenges in manual operation during power failures or system faults during surgical procedures, requiring a mechanism to enable manual retraction of surgical instruments without damaging the drive train.
Innovation Solution
A medical device drive system with a rotational input, coupling member, and gears that can transition between states to allow manual operation, including a manual input that engages with a coupling member and first gear to retract instruments, and a ratchet mechanism to resist rotation and ensure safe retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a telerobotic system is used to control surgical instruments, then precision and automation are improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to power failures and system faults that prevent manual retraction
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into two independent operational modes: automated telerobotic control mode and manual retraction mode. The coupling member acts as a switch that separates the drive train from automated control while allowing direct manual engagement, enabling the system to function independently of power or control system status.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member serves as an intermediary element between the automated telerobotic system and the manual drive inputs. It mediates the transition between automated and manual operation by selectively engaging or disengaging the drive train from the automated control system, allowing safe handoff during emergencies.
2Ease of operation
If manual retraction is enabled during power failures, then instrument retraction is possible, but damage to the drive train may occur without proper protection
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism converts the potentially harmful uncontrolled manual forcing into a beneficial protected operation. It allows manual retraction while preventing reverse rotation that could damage the drive train, transforming a risky manual intervention into a safe operation by utilizing one-way mechanical engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism provides beforehand protection against drive train damage during manual retraction. By pre-installing this one-way engagement mechanism, the system is cushioned against harmful reverse forces before they can occur, allowing surgeons to manually retract instruments even during power failures without risking drive train damage.
3Reliability
If a coupling member is used to engage manual input with the drive train, then safe manual operation is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is designed with multi-functionality to reduce overall device complexity. It simultaneously serves as: (1) an engagement interface for manual inputs, ( (2) a disconnection mechanism for automated control, and (3) a protective element for the drive train. This consolidation of multiple functions into a single component offsets the added complexity by eliminating the need for separate mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If the coupling member slides away from the rotational input during manual operation, then manual retraction is enabled, but precision control may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gear mechanism creates a precise mechanical copy of the manual rotational input into linear retraction motion. The gear teeth ensure that each degree of manual rotation is accurately translated into a specific amount of instrument retraction, maintaining precision control even though the coupling member slides away from the rotational input during operation.
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 safe and effective manual retraction of surgical instruments during power outages or system faults, preventing damage to the drive train and ensuring precision in surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a ratchet mechanism to resist rotation and ensure safe retraction
Implementation Method 2
A medical device drive system with a rotational input, coupling member, and gears that can transition between states to allow manual operation
Implementation Method 3
the coupling member is slidably coupled to the rotational input, and the coupling member slides away from the rotational input as the rotational input is turned in a first direction
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.