Rotatable Ultrasonic Lever with Mechanical Lockout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic surgical instruments lack ergonomic versatility and efficient power control mechanisms, requiring multiple instruments for different surgical procedures and posing challenges in operator comfort and precision.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a handle assembly with rotatable activation levers and a mechanical lockout assembly that allows for various grip orientations and power level selection, enabling the same instrument to be used for different procedures with enhanced ergonomic comfort and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single ultrasonic surgical instrument is used for different surgical procedures, then the need for multiple instruments is reduced, but the instrument lacks ergonomic versatility for different grip orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The activation lever is designed to rotate about a pivot axis, transitioning between multiple operational positions (first inactive position, second inactive position, and activated position). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same lever to accommodate different grip orientations while maintaining full functionality, thereby providing ergonomic versatility without requiring multiple instruments.
2Ease of operation
If power level control is integrated into the handle assembly, then operator control over power levels is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power level control mechanism is integrated directly into the handle assembly, merging the functions of mechanical actuation and power regulation into a single unified structure. This integration allows the operator to control power levels through the same activation lever used for instrument activation, enhancing ease of operation while avoiding the addition of separate external control devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation lever itself serves dual functions: it activates the ultrasonic blade and simultaneously controls the power level delivered to the blade. By making the lever self-sufficient for both activation and power regulation, the design enhances operator control without requiring additional dedicated control mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If rotatable activation levers are implemented, then ergonomic versatility is improved, but the mechanical lockout mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lockout assembly is segmented into distinct functional surfaces: a first surface that engages with the activation lever in its inactive positions to prevent activation, and a second surface that engages when the lever is in the activated position. This segmentation allows the complex multi-position lever mechanism to be controlled through simple, discrete mechanical engagement surfaces, thereby managing the complexity of the lockout mechanism.
4Measurement precision
If the activation lever moves from parallel to oblique orientation, then activated state is clearly distinguished, but the movement precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The activation lever provides tactile and positional feedback through distinct orientation states: parallel to the longitudinal axis for inactive positions and oblique for the activated position. This physical reorientation creates clearly distinguishable states that are easily detectable by the operator, achieving high position detection precision through simple geometric configuration rather than complex sensing mechanisms.
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 a versatile surgical instrument that can be easily adapted for various surgical tasks with improved ergonomic comfort and precision, reducing the need for multiple instruments and enhancing operator control over power levels.
Implementation Method 1
These instruments include one or more piezoelectric elements that convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations, which are communicated along an acoustic waveguide to the blade element
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide, wherein the ultrasonic blade is configured to vibrate in response to receipt of ultrasonic power
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic instrument includes a body, an actuation assembly, a shaft assembly, an ultrasonic blade, and a mechanical lockout. The body is configured to receive an ultrasonic transducer. The actuation assembly includes an activation lever that is configured to move from a first activation position toward the longitudinal axis to a second activation position. The activation lever is oriented obliquely relative the longitudinal axis in the second activation position. The shaft assembly includes an acoustic waveguide. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide. The activation lever is operable to trigger ultrasonic activation of the ultrasonic blade by moving to the second activation position. The mechanical lockout is operable to selectively restrict movement of the first activation lever to the second activation position.