Modular Electromechanical Surgical Device Gear Train
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical surgical devices are expensive to manufacture, purchase, and operate, necessitating a need for more economical solutions that maintain high operability throughout their lifecycle, from development to disposal.
Innovation Solution
The design of a hand-held electromechanical surgical device with a shaft assembly and end effector configuration that includes a gear train, pivot pin, and release assembly, allowing for adjustable orientations and efficient transmission of rotational forces for clamping, cutting, and stapling, while being modular and cost-effective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electromechanical surgical devices use proprietary drive systems with handle assemblies and disposable loading units, then operability and functionality are maintained, but manufacturing and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a reusable handle assembly and disposable loading units, allowing the expensive electromechanical components to be shared while only the consumable portions are disposed of. This segmentation maintains high operability through the reusable handle while reducing overall manufacturing costs by only producing the necessary disposable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of loading units through standardized interfaces. This multi-functionality allows a single expensive handle to perform multiple surgical functions by simply changing the loading unit, thereby amortizing the manufacturing cost across numerous procedures while maintaining full operability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electromechanical surgical devices are designed with high operability and versatility, then surgical functionality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Complex surgical functions are segmented into modular loading units that can be independently designed and manufactured. Each loading unit contains only the specific components needed for its function (e.g., stapling, cutting, grasping), reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining versatility through combinatorial use with the universal handle assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex, function-specific components are implemented as disposable loading units rather than permanent parts of the device. This allows high versatility through multiple specialized functions while keeping the reusable handle assembly relatively simple. Each disposable unit is optimized for its specific function without the need for complex reconfiguration mechanisms.
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 enables cost-effective manufacturing and operation while providing high operability and versatility, allowing for efficient tissue manipulation and reducing costs across the device's lifecycle.
Implementation Method 1
a gear train supported in the proximal neck housing, on the pivot pin, and in the distal neck housing. The gear train includes a proximal gear rotatably supported in the proximal neck housing and being coupled to a distal end of the rotatable drive shaft; an intermediate gear rotatably supported on the pivot pin and being in operative engagement with the proximal gear; a distal gear rotatably supported in the distal neck housing and being in operative engagement with the intermediate gear; and a pair of output gears rotatably supported in the distal neck housing and each being in operative engagement with the distal gear
Implementation Method 2
a distal neck housing pivotally connected to the proximal neck housing, wherein a distal end of the distal neck housing is configured and adapted for operative connection with the end effector; a pivot pin interconnecting the proximal neck housing and the distal neck housing
Data Source
AI summary
An electromechanical surgical device includes an end effector configured to perform at least one function, the end effector including an input drive axle projecting therefrom; and a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes a rotatable drive shaft; a proximal neck housing supported at a distal end of an outer tube; a distal neck housing pivotally connected to the proximal neck housing; a pivot pin interconnecting the proximal neck housing and the distal neck housing; and a gear train supported in the proximal neck housing, on the pivot pin, and in the distal neck housing. The gear train includes a proximal gear; an intermediate gear; a distal gear; and a pair of output gears, wherein each output gear defines a coupling socket each configured to selectively receive the drive axle of the end effector.