Powered Surgical Handle Clutch for Articulated Tool Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a powered handle assembly in surgical devices that can pivot a tool assembly between non-articulated and articulated positions efficiently, enhancing access to tissue within a body cavity during minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A handle assembly with a housing, drive assembly, articulation mechanism, clutch, and motor, featuring a clutch switch, drive screw, screw nut, and articulation gears, allowing the clutch to move between clamp/fire and articulation positions, and a motor to rotate the clutch and drive rod for pivoting the tool assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a clutch mechanism is used to switch between clamp/fire and articulation positions, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism serves multiple functions: it engages the drive screw with the screw nut for clamping/fire operations, and disengages to allow articulation gear rotation for tool assembly positioning. This single component handles both operational modes, improving versatility while managing complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch acts as an intermediary element between the motor and the two different mechanisms (drive screw and articulation gear). It mediates power transmission by selectively engaging with either the screw nut or the articulation gear, allowing smooth transition between functions without requiring separate independent systems
2Ease of operation
If powered articulation is implemented using motor and clutch, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical articulation operations with an automated motor-driven system. The motor provides powered rotation of the clutch and articulation gears, eliminating the need for manual manipulation and significantly improving ease of operation, though it introduces motor control complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static manual operation to dynamic automated control. The motor enables continuous, controlled rotation of the clutch between positions, and the articulation mechanism provides smooth, powered adjustment of the tool assembly angle, making operation more intuitive and easier for the clinician
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 powered articulation of the tool assembly, improving access to tissue within a body cavity and facilitating various surgical tasks such as stapling, cutting, and articulation, while ensuring safe and controlled operation.
Implementation Method 1
The screw nut defines a threaded bore and includes external splines, and the drive screw extends through the threaded bore
Implementation Method 2
The clutch is movable between a clamp/fire position in which the clutch is engaged with the external splines of the screw nut and an articulation position in which the clutch is engaged with the splines of the first articulation gear
Implementation Method 3
The motor is coupled to the clutch and is operable to rotate the clutch within the housing
Implementation Method 4
The second articulation gear defines a threaded bore and includes outer gear teeth that are engaged with the outer gear teeth of the first articulation gear
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device includes a powered handle assembly, an adapter assembly extending from the handle assembly, and a tool assembly that is mounted to the adapter assembly about a pivot member. The handle assembly includes a clutch that is movable between an articulation position and a clamp/fire position. In the articulation position, the handle assembly is configured to provide powered articulation of the tool assembly about the pivot member. In the clamp/fire position, the handle assembly is configured to provide actuation of the surgical device.