Low-Profile Rotation Stop for Surgical Instruments Beyond 360°
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotation stop devices for surgical instruments are limited to less than 360 degrees of rotation and are often bulky, making it difficult to package them within instruments that require greater rotational ranges.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile rotation stop device that includes a threaded shaft and nut configuration, allowing for rotation limits greater than 360 degrees by using a potentiometer and sensor to detect and correct image displays, while maintaining a constant distance between rotation limits and facilitating compact packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed mechanical stop is used to limit rotation, then rotation is limited to less than 360 degrees, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to package
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation stop device is nested within the handle assembly of the surgical instrument. The threaded shaft is received within a cavity of the handle, and the nut travels along the shaft within the same cavity space. This nesting arrangement allows the rotation stop mechanism to be integrated within the existing instrument footprint without requiring additional external space, thereby resolving the contradiction between providing rotation limitation and maintaining compact device size.
2Reliability
If existing rotation stop devices are used, then rotation is limited, but the rotation range is less than 360 degrees which is insufficient for some applications
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of rotation range from the conventional less than 360 degrees to greater than 360 degrees. This is achieved by using a threaded shaft and nut mechanism that allows multiple complete rotations while still providing a defined stop point. The threaded engagement provides continuous rotational control with precise positioning capability, enabling the knob to rotate through more than one full cycle before encountering the rotation limit, thereby increasing adaptability for applications requiring broader rotation ranges.
3Volume of moving object
If a low-profile rotation stop device is used, then packaging is facilitated, but device complexity increases with threaded shaft and sensor components
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded shaft serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the rotation stop mechanism through threaded engagement with the nut, acts as a potentiometer shaft for sensing rotational position, and enables the knob to rotate relative to the handle. By combining these functions into a single component, the invention reduces the number of separate parts needed, thereby managing device complexity despite the multi-functional requirements. The sensor leverages the existing threaded shaft structure rather than requiring a separate sensing mechanism.
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
Enables limited rotation greater than 360 degrees in surgical instruments, preventing damage to components like wires and optical fibers, while allowing for precise control and compact integration within instruments.
Implementation Method 1
The rotation stop can include a threaded shaft mated to a threaded nut, the threaded shaft being configured to rotate with the knob and the nut being non-rotatably captured by the handle. The nut can travel along the threaded shaft between first and second rotation limits to limit rotation of the knob relative to the handle
Implementation Method 2
The instrument can include a sensor configured to detect a rotational position of the knob and to correct an electronic display of images captured by the visualization device based on the detected position. The rotation stop can include a threaded shaft mated to a threaded nut, the threaded shaft being configured to rotate with the knob and the nut being non-rotatably captured by the handle. The instrument can include a potentiometer having a shaft coupled to or formed integrally with the threaded shaft.
Data Source
AI summary
Surgical instruments with rotation stop devices and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for providing limited rotation between first and second components of the surgical instrument in a range greater than 360 degrees. Exemplary rotation stop devices can have a low profile and can include various features to facilitate packaging of the device within a larger instrument.