Segmented Surgical Instrument Brake Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional guide tubes for surgical instruments provide limited locking force and articulation capabilities, which are inadequate for emerging surgical procedures that require improved control and increased locking force.
Innovation Solution
The development of segmented instruments with multiple frictional surfaces and brake assemblies that allow for increased locking force while maintaining articulation capabilities, utilizing materials like aluminum and Teflon for the brake components and employing vacuum or cable actuation to engage the braking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional guide tubes provide a single surface lock engagement, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the locking force is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The brake assembly is divided into multiple components including a brake shoe with multiple friction surfaces, a brake drum, and a vacuum actuation system. The brake shoe is segmented to provide multiple friction surfaces that contact the brake drum at different locations, multiplying the locking force while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point contact locking mechanism to a multi-surface locking system by introducing the brake shoe with multiple friction surfaces. This dimensional expansion from one contact point to multiple contact surfaces across different dimensions significantly increases the total locking force without proportionally increasing the overall device size
2Force
If the brake assembly is positioned to span the distance between adjacent links, then the locking force is maximized, but the instrument's flexibility and articulation range may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The brake assembly is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to transition between engaged and disengaged states. The vacuum actuation system enables the brake shoe to dynamically contact or release from the brake drum surfaces, providing locking force when needed while maintaining flexibility and articulation capability when the brake is disengaged
Solution Approach 2:
The brake shoe acts as an intermediary component between the vacuum actuation system and the brake drum. This intermediary structure allows the locking mechanism to be activated only when necessary, preserving the natural articulation movement of the instrument segments while providing enhanced locking force when the brake is engaged
3Force
If multiple frictional surfaces are added between articulating components, then the locking force increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple frictional surfaces are merged into a single integrated brake shoe component that contacts the brake drum at multiple locations. This merging approach consolidates what would otherwise be separate locking mechanisms into one unified structure, increasing the total frictional locking force while minimizing the increase in device complexity through component integration
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 stable, controllable platform for surgical procedures by increasing the locking force and maintaining articulation capabilities, enhancing the control and rigidity of the instrument when needed, particularly in natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the brake assembly is adapted and configured to increase the number of frictional surfaces between the pair of adjacent links
Implementation Method 2
Another useful property is that the brake assembly has the flexibility to bend when a joint is articulated
Data Source
AI summary
A medical instrument may comprise a plurality of links disposed in series along an axial direction. The plurality of links also may comprise a brake assembly comprise one or more first braking components coupled to a first link in the pair of adjacent links and one or more second braking components coupled to a second link in the pair of adjacent links. The one or more first braking components and the one or more second braking components may have an interleaved arrangement with each other. The braking assembly may be actuatable between an engaged state and a disengaged state, wherein the one or more first braking components and the one or more second braking components inhibit the pair of adjacent links from pivoting relative to one another in the engaged state of the brake assembly, and wherein the one or more first braking components and the one or more second braking components permit the pair of adjacent links pivoting relative to one another in the disengaged state of the brake assembly. The one or more first braking components and the one or more second braking components may be pressed together in the engaged state of the brake assembly.