Surgical Instrument Wire Tension Control With Nested Bolt

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical instruments face challenges with tension control techniques that occupy a large volume and increase weight, affecting their mechanical performance and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A tension control unit is introduced, comprising a body member, a fastening member, and a bolt member that adjusts wire tension by rotating in clockwise or counter-clockwise directions, allowing precise control of the end tool's grip force and jaw interval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional tension control technique is used, then the wire tension can be adjusted, but the mechanical portion occupies a large volume and the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetension control capabilityVSAvoidweight of mechanical portion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The tension control unit is integrated within the existing surgical instrument structure, with the bolt member rotating within the body member to adjust wire tension. This nested configuration allows the tension control mechanism to be housed within the existing mechanical portion without adding external bulk or significant weight, while still providing effective tension adjustment capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The bolt member is designed to rotate dynamically within the body member, enabling continuous adjustment of wire tension during surgical operations. This dynamic adjustment mechanism replaces static or bulky conventional tension control systems, maintaining reliability while minimizing weight and volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a conventional tension control technique is used, then the wire tension can be adjusted, but the mechanical portion occupies a large volume

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetension control capabilityVSAvoidvolume of mechanical portion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The tension control unit is merged with the existing surgical instrument body, combining the bolt member, body member, and wire routing into a unified compact assembly. This integration eliminates the need for separate tension control components, reducing overall mechanical portion volume while maintaining full tension adjustment functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The tension control unit enables efficient and compact tension adjustment, enhancing the surgical instrument's mechanical performance and reducing weight, while improving precision and control during surgical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

the bolt member adjusts the tension of the wire by pulling or releasing the wire according to rotation thereof in a clockwise direction or a counter-clockwise direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20250318890A1Tension control unit

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 LIVSMED INC

AI summary

Provided is a tension control unit for adjusting a tension of a wire in a surgical instrument. The tension control unit includes a body member arranged at one side of an actuation pulley of a manipulation part and connecting the wire to the actuation pulley, a fastening member coupled to one end of the wire, and a bolt member accommodating the fastening member therein and coupled to the body member, wherein the bolt member adjusts the tension of the wire by pulling or releasing the wire according to rotation thereof in a clockwise direction or a counter-clockwise direction.