Motorized Endoscopic Jaw Control With Status Illumination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical surgical devices have complex drive components and user interfaces that require improved user interaction and feedback mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device with a handle assembly featuring a control assembly that includes rocker switches for articulation and rotation of jaw assemblies, an illumination member for status indication, and a motor for actuating jaws, along with a user-friendly interface using Hall-effect switches and light emitting devices for clear feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex drive components and user interfaces are used in electromechanical surgical devices, then functionality and control capability are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical drive components with electromagnetic actuators (motors) that directly drive the jaw assembly through flexible drive members. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining precise control capability, as electronic control systems can achieve fine motor control without the need for complex mechanical linkages and transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control assembly integrates multiple functions into a unified interface: the first control button handles both jaw approximation and firing actions, the second control button manages jaw opening and retraction, and the illumination member provides both lighting and status indication. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while expanding control capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex drive components and user interfaces are used in electromechanical surgical devices, then functionality and control capability are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates sensors that automatically detect the state of the jaw assembly and provide feedback to the control circuitry. This self-monitoring capability allows the system to automatically adjust its response to user inputs based on current operational state, reducing the cognitive load on the operator and making the device easier to use despite its advanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination member serves dual purposes: providing visual illumination of the surgical site and displaying operational status through different lighting patterns. This integrated feedback mechanism gives the operator immediate visual information about device state without requiring separate indicators, simplifying the user interface while enhancing control capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control buttons and switches are added for jaw articulation and rotation, then control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines articulation and rotation controls into the existing control button structure. The first control button, when pressed in different sequences or combinations with the second control button, triggers different actions including jaw approximation, firing, articulation, and rotation. This merging approach provides comprehensive articulation control without adding separate physical controls for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically interprets user inputs based on the current state of the device. The same control button presses can produce different outcomes depending on whether the jaw is open or closed, whether articulation is needed, or whether rotation is required. This dynamic control scheme allows comprehensive functionality without requiring static, dedicated controls for every possible action.
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
Enhances user interaction and provides clear visual feedback through a simplified control system, improving the usability and efficiency of electromechanical surgical instruments.
Implementation Method 1
A user-friendly interface using Hall-effect switches and light emitting devices for clear feedback
Implementation Method 2
an illumination member for status indication... using Hall-effect switches and light emitting devices for clear feedback
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device includes a jaw assembly defining a first longitudinal axis and including a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw; an elongated body defining a second longitudinal axis and coupled to a proximal end of the jaw assembly, wherein the jaw assembly is configured to articulate about an articulation axis transverse to the second longitudinal axis relative to the elongated body; and a handle assembly coupled to a proximal end of the elongated body and including at least one motor mechanically coupled to the jaw assembly and a control assembly including a first control button and a second control button, wherein actuation of the first control button moves the second jaw in approximation relative to the first jaw and actuating the second control button moves the second jaw away from the first jaw, and actuating the first and second control buttons moves the jaw assembly to a centered position in which the first and second longitudinal axes are substantially aligned, the handle assembly further includes an illumination member configured to output a light pattern indicative of a status of the surgical instrument.