Rotatable Energy Connection Assembly for Torque-Free Electrosurgical Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electrosurgical instruments face limitations due to rigidly connected electrical cords, which cause torque buildup, restrict instrument maneuverability, create visual or physical obstructions, and may lead to unwanted disconnections during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An electrical energy connection assembly that includes a user input assembly, electrically conductive bodies with rotational degrees of freedom, and electrical connectors, allowing for full rotational capabilities without disrupting electrical energy conduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrical connector is rigidly connected to the instrument, then the electrical connection is stable and reliable, but the instrument maneuverability is restricted and torque buildup occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the electrical connector rotatable relative to the instrument shaft, allowing it to transition from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The connector can rotate about the longitudinal axis of the instrument shaft, enabling the surgeon to adjust the cable position and prevent wrapping while maintaining stable electrical contact during use.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the electrical connector is rigidly connected to the instrument, then the electrical energy transmission is uninterrupted, but the cable may wrap around the instrument and create torque buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable connector allows the cable to be dynamically repositioned during the procedure. When the surgeon rotates the connector, the cable position changes accordingly, preventing wrapping around the instrument shaft and eliminating torque buildup while maintaining continuous electrical energy transmission to the electrosurgical tool.
3Reliability
If the electrical connector is rigidly connected to the instrument, then the connection is secure, but the connected cable may disconnect when snagged during instrument motion
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable connector provides adaptability by allowing the cable to be repositioned to avoid snagging during instrument motion. The connector can rotate about the longitudinal axis, enabling the cable to be oriented in different directions and reducing the risk of disconnection when the instrument moves through various positions during surgery.
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 solution provides uninterrupted electrical energy delivery during unlimited rotations, enhancing surgical instrument maneuverability and reducing torque buildup and obstruction issues.
Implementation Method 1
When the electrical connector(s) is connected to an external electrical energy source, electrical energy is conducted from the electrical connector(s), to the first electrically conductive body, to the second electrically conductive body(ies), and to an output body located remote of the user input assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical energy connection assembly is provided that can be equipped in a handheld electrosurgical tool or other medical device, as well as non-medical devices, among many other possible applications. An electrical energy conduction and delivery facilitated via the electrical energy connection is uninterrupted amid rotational movements about a rotational degree of freedom between a pair of bodies or assemblies. Drawbacks encountered in past electrosurgical tool applications such as torque buildup, inhibited instrument maneuverability, visual or physical obstruction, and/or unplanned disconnections, are altogether avoided with use of the electrical energy connection assembly.