Modular Surgical Handle Assembly for Switchable Grip Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical devices lack adaptability in configuration, limiting the surgeon's ability to switch between pistol-grip and in-line configurations during surgical procedures, which can affect comfort and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A powered, hand-held electromechanical surgical device with a handle assembly featuring interchangeable connecting features and a drive unit assembly that can be oriented in parallel or angled configurations, allowing for wireless communication and easy attachment of end effectors, enabling seamless switching between pistol-grip and in-line handling modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional surgical device uses a fixed pistol-grip configuration, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to different handling preferences is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is divided into separate modular components: a pistol-grip handle assembly and an in-line handle assembly. Each handle assembly is a complete, functional unit that can be independently attached to or removed from the drive unit assembly. This segmentation allows the surgeon to interchange handle configurations without modifying the core surgical instrument, thereby achieving configuration adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity within each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive unit assembly is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate both pistol-grip and in-line handle assemblies. The connecting features and electrical contacts are standardized to work with either handle type, enabling a single drive unit to perform multiple handling configurations. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing one core component to support diverse operational modes.
2Ease of operation
If the surgeon needs to switch between pistol-grip and in-line configurations during surgery, then operational comfort and efficiency improve, but the device complexity increases due to interchangeable components
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly configuration is made dynamic and adjustable during the surgical procedure. The surgeon can switch between pistol-grip and in-line configurations based on real-time operational needs and comfort requirements. This dynamic reconfigurability is achieved through quick-attach/detach mechanisms that allow rapid configuration changes without complex tools or procedures, thereby improving ease of operation while limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the handle assembly is designed with interchangeable connecting features for different configurations, then adaptability improves, but the reliability of electrical connections may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit assembly serves as an intermediary component that mediates between the handle assemblies and the surgical instrument. It contains standardized electrical contacts and connecting features that ensure reliable electrical and mechanical connections regardless of which handle configuration is attached. This intermediary design isolates the variability of handle configurations from the critical surgical functions, maintaining connection reliability while enabling configuration adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to hand held electromechanical powered surgical handle assemblies for use with surgical end effectors capable of clamping, cutting and/or stapling tissue and methods of use thereof. The surgical device includes a handle assembly and a drive unit assembly removably and selectively connectable to a selected first connecting feature and second connecting feature of the handle assembly. The drive unit assembly includes a motor and a drive shaft driven by the motor.