Manual Release Gear Coupling for Surgical Instrument Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical device drive systems face challenges in manual operation during power failures or system faults, particularly in robot-assisted minimally invasive surgical procedures, where precise control and retraction of surgical instruments are required.
Innovation Solution
A manual release mechanism for medical device drive systems, incorporating a rotational input, coupling member, and gears with engagement features, allowing for a first system state where the coupling member is disengaged and a second state where it engages with the gear to manually control the instrument, enabling retraction even in the absence of power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a telerobotic system is used to control surgical instruments, then precise control and automation are improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to power failures and system faults that prevent instrument retraction
Solution Approach 1:
The manual release mechanism is pre-configured and ready for immediate use in case of power failure. The coupling member can be manually engaged with the gear to establish a mechanical connection before an emergency occurs, allowing the surgeon to retract the instrument by hand without waiting for system recovery or external assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member acts as an intermediary element that can selectively connect the manual input mechanism to the gear system. This intermediary allows transition between automated telerobotic control and manual operation, providing a bridge that ensures instrument retraction capability regardless of power availability.
2Reliability
If a manual release mechanism is added to the drive system, then reliability during power failure is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual release mechanism is merged with the existing gear and coupling member structures of the telerobotic drive system. The coupling member is integrated into the gear train, and the manual input shares the same mechanical pathway as the automated drive, reducing the need for separate redundant components and minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member serves multiple functions: it transmits torque during normal automated operation, enables manual engagement during power failures, and provides a mechanical interface for both telerobotic and manual control modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each mode of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the coupling member is always engaged with the gear, then manual control capability is improved, but the drive train may be damaged during normal automated operation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member's engagement state is dynamic rather than fixed. It can be selectively engaged or disengaged based on operational needs: disengaged during automated telerobotic operation to prevent damage, and engaged during manual retraction operations. This dynamic state change allows the system to adapt to different operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member can be extracted or removed from engagement with the gear when manual control is not needed. This extraction prevents the manual input from interfering with automated operation and protects the drive train from potential damage caused by simultaneous manual and automated torque application.
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.