Opposing Thread Drive for Precise Ultrasonic End-Effector Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic surgical instruments lack efficient mechanisms for articulating end effectors to enhance precision and versatility in cutting and coagulating tissues.
Innovation Solution
The instrument incorporates an articulating shaft section with an opposing thread drive mechanism that allows for controlled articulation of the end effector, enabling precise positioning and movement of the ultrasonic blade and clamp arm for enhanced tissue cutting and coagulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a traditional single-thread drive mechanism is used for end effector articulation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and control accuracy of end effector positioning deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is segmented into two independent thread drives (first thread drive and second thread drive) that independently control the first and second articulation segments respectively. This segmentation allows each drive to be optimized for its specific control function, improving positioning precision while keeping each individual drive relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation mechanism employs dynamic control through two independently adjustable thread drives that can be selectively actuated based on surgical needs. The system transitions from a static single-drive configuration to a dynamic multi-drive configuration, enabling precise control over articulation angles and positions
2Adaptability or versatility
If an articulating end effector mechanism is added to enhance surgical versatility, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is divided into multiple articulation segments (first articulation segment and second articulation segment) each controlled by its own thread drive, allowing independent adjustment of each segment's position and angle, thereby enhancing surgical versatility without requiring a single complex control mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating end effector mechanism provides multi-functionality by enabling the end effector to articulate in multiple directions and positions, allowing a single instrument to perform various surgical tasks including cutting, coagulating, and stapling at different angles, replacing the need for multiple specialized instruments
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 articulating end effector mechanism provides improved precision and versatility in cutting and coagulating tissues, allowing for more controlled and effective surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a lead screw operable to convert rotational motion to linear motion to selectively articulate the end effector
Implementation Method 2
opposing thread drive mechanism that allows for controlled articulation of the end effector
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a body assembly, a shaft assembly, an end effector, an articulation section, and an articulation control assembly. The end effector is located at a distal end of the shaft assembly and comprises an ultrasonic blade. The articulation section is coupled with the shaft assembly and is operable to articulate to thereby deflect the end effector from the longitudinal axis. The articulation control assembly comprises first and second threaded members and an articulation control. The first and second threaded members have respective first and second pitch orientations. The articulation control is rotatable to thereby drive articulation of the articulation section by causing translation of the first and second threaded members along a path that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly. The axis of rotation of the articulation control is non-parallel with the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly.