Rotatable Retraction Handle for Robotic Tissue Cutting Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic surgical systems are limited in generating the required cutting and fastening forces and operate a limited number of surgical devices.
Innovation Solution
The development of a robotic surgical tool with a rotatable retraction handle and enhanced articulation capabilities, including a quick disconnect joint and drive shaft assembly, allows for improved force application and versatility in surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If existing robotic surgical systems are used, then surgical procedures can be performed with enhanced dexterity and intuitive operation, but the systems are unable to generate the magnitude of forces required to effectively cut and fasten tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is divided into separate functional modules: a robotic arm for positioning, a handle assembly for manual control, and an end effector for surgical operations. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, with the handle assembly providing mechanical force amplification through its trigger mechanism and articulation controls, while the robotic arm provides precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly acts as an intermediary between the surgeon's manual inputs and the robotic end effector. The trigger mechanism and articulation controls in the handle assembly amplify and transmit mechanical forces to the end effector, enabling the surgeon to apply sufficient cutting and fastening forces while maintaining intuitive control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing robotic surgical systems are used, then surgical procedures can be performed with enhanced dexterity, but the systems are limited in the number of different types of surgical devices that they may operate
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is designed with universal controls that can operate multiple types of end effectors. The trigger mechanism provides consistent firing control across different surgical devices, while the articulation controls accommodate various degrees of freedom required by different end effector types, enabling a single handle assembly to control diverse surgical instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic coupling between the handle assembly and end effectors, allowing the connection to be configured based on the specific surgical device being used. The articulation controls can be adjusted to match the kinematic requirements of different end effectors, providing versatility without requiring permanent reconfiguration of the entire robotic system.
3Manufacturing precision
If a robotic surgical tool with enhanced articulation capabilities is developed, then precision and control in surgical procedures are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation mechanism employs a nested structure where multiple articulation joints are housed within the handle assembly. The first articulation control, second articulation control, and trigger mechanism are integrated in a compact nested arrangement, allowing complex multi-axis control to be achieved within a manageable form factor that does not excessively increase device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple control functions are merged into the handle assembly: the trigger mechanism for firing, the first articulation control for primary orientation, and the second articulation control for secondary orientation. This consolidation of controls into a single integrated handle assembly provides enhanced precision and control while avoiding the complexity of separate control mechanisms for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
Surgical end effectors and fastener cartridges having firing lockout arrangements for preventing or limit a firing stroke when a cartridge has not been operably installed in the end effector or a spent cartridge has not been replaced.