Modular Surgical Drive Assembly for Precise End Effector Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical systems lack efficient modular designs and advanced control systems for precise tissue manipulation and instrument management, leading to limitations in surgical precision and procedural efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A surgical instrument system featuring a modular handle and shaft assembly with a drive module that includes a motor and speed reduction gear, along with a control system for precise control of end effectors, enabling articulation and rotation of surgical instruments for enhanced tissue manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a surgical instrument comprises multiple drive systems for different functions, then the functionality and versatility of the instrument is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of control increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical instrument is divided into multiple independent drive systems (first drive system for articulation, second drive system for rotation, third drive system for end effector actuation). Each drive system operates independently to control specific functions, allowing the complex multi-functional instrument to be managed through modular, segregated control mechanisms rather than a single complex drive system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single surgical instrument integrates multiple drive systems to perform diverse surgical functions including articulation, rotation, and end effector actuation. This multi-functionality allows one instrument to replace multiple specialized instruments, improving versatility while the standardized interface and control system manage the inherent complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a surgical instrument comprises multiple drive systems for different functions, then the functionality and versatility of the instrument is improved, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into distinct control mechanisms for each drive system, with separate control inputs for articulation, rotation, and end effector actuation. This segmentation allows the operator to control each function independently through dedicated controls, simplifying the operation of the multi-functional instrument despite its complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the multiple drive systems, translating operator inputs into coordinated actions of the various drive systems. This intermediary layer manages the complexity of controlling multiple functions simultaneously, making the instrument easier to operate by providing a unified control interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If precise control of end effectors is implemented, then the manufacturing precision and surgical precision are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveprecisionVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the position and state of the end effector and articulation joint, adjusting the drive system outputs to achieve precise control. This feedback enables accurate positioning and manipulation while the control system manages the complexity of coordinating multiple drive systems to maintain precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11903601B2Surgical instrument comprising a plurality of drive systems
Publication Date: 2024.02.20 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL
  • US11903601B2 patent drawing
  • US11903601B2 patent drawing
  • US11903601B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A surgical instrument is disclosed comprising a plurality of drive systems and one or more shifting systems. The functionality of the surgical instrument is controlled by the shifting systems.