Rotatable Shaft Locking Positions for Surgical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments, such as ultrasonic and electrosurgical devices, face challenges in preventing inadvertent rotation of shaft assemblies during surgical procedures, which can lead to misalignment and require repositioning of the end effector, potentially causing inefficiencies and complications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of rotation locking mechanisms, including spring clamps, trigger-driven clutching locks, and cam-driven locking systems, which selectively lock and unlock the shaft assembly relative to the handle assembly, ensuring precise control and orientation of the end effector by preventing unintended rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shaft assembly is made rotatable to improve maneuverability during surgical procedures, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of inadvertent rotation and misalignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft assembly incorporates a rotatable section that can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked states. The locking mechanism includes a locking member with engagement features that can be selectively engaged or disengaged, allowing the shaft to be fixed in desired orientations during surgery while permitting intentional repositioning when needed. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by providing both maneuverability and alignment stability at different operational phases.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple locking positions are provided to improve positioning precision, then the manufacturing precision and control accuracy are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into discrete locking positions with corresponding engagement features distributed around the circumference of the shaft assembly. The locking member includes multiple engagement features that can selectively engage with corresponding features on the shaft at different angular positions. This segmentation provides precise positioning at multiple discrete orientations while keeping the mechanism relatively simple through modular, repeatable engagement features rather than continuous adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus comprises a body assembly, a shaft, an end effector, a rotation input feature, and a locking feature. The shaft extends distally from the body assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The end effector is positioned at the distal end of the shaft. The rotation input feature comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The rotation input feature is configured to rotate one or both of the shaft assembly or the end effector about the longitudinal axis. The locking feature is configured to transition between a locked state and an unlocked state. The locking feature is configured to prevent rotation of the one or both of the shaft assembly when the locking feature is in the locked state. The locking feature is configured to permit rotation of the one or both of the shaft assembly when the locking feature is in the unlocked state.