Rotatable Multifunction Jaw End Effector for Surgical Cutting and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instruments with multifunction end effectors are often large, complex, and less effective at performing multiple functions, leading to increased complexity and cost, and reduced durability and reliability.
Innovation Solution
An end effector with a multifunction jaw mechanism that includes a first and second jaw member, where the second jaw member is rotatable about a roll axis to switch between different functional configurations, allowing it to perform multiple functions such as bipolar sealing and cutting without needing separate instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate instruments are used for different functions (cutting, sealing, grasping), then each function can be performed effectively, but the number of instruments increases, leading to increased complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is designed with a jaw mechanism where the second jaw member can perform multiple functions (grasping, cutting, sealing) by rotating between different orientations. Each orientation presents different functional features (e.g., cutting edge, sealing electrode) to perform specific surgical functions, eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments while maintaining effectiveness of each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are used to perform multiple functions, then functional versatility is achieved, but procedural complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector integrates multiple surgical functions into a single device through the rotatable second jaw member. The jaw mechanism can be configured in different orientations to perform grasping, cutting, and sealing functions sequentially, providing functional versatility while reducing procedural complexity by eliminating the need to exchange multiple instruments during surgery
3Adaptability or versatility
If a multifunction end effector is designed to perform multiple functions, then the need for multiple instruments is reduced, but the design becomes large and complex, reducing durability and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is segmented into distinct functional components: a jaw mechanism with first and second jaw members, where the second jaw member can rotate between orientations. Each segment (jaw members, rotation mechanism, functional features) is designed to perform a specific role, allowing multiple functions to be integrated without creating an overly complex monolithic structure, thereby maintaining durability and reliability
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument may comprise a shaft and an end effector comprising a jaw mechanism coupled to the shaft. The jaw mechanism may comprise a first jaw member and a second jaw member movable relative to one another by pivoting about a pivot axis between an open configuration of the jaw mechanism and a closed configuration of the jaw mechanism. The second jaw member may be rotatable about a roll axis of the second jaw member between at least two orientations, the roll axis of the second jaw member being transverse to the pivot axis. In a first orientation of the at least two orientations, the jaw mechanism is configured to perform a first function. In a second orientation of the at least two orientations, the jaw mechanism is configured to perform a second function differing from the first function.