Surgical Instrument End Tool With Segmented Load-Bearing Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical instruments used in laparoscopic surgery face challenges with end tools that experience high friction and wear due to uneven distribution of load on the pin (rotary shaft) and pulley, leading to reduced durability and non-intuitive operation.
Innovation Solution
The end tool design incorporates a pin assembly with friction reducing members between the pulley and pin, and a retainer with accommodation portions for these members, ensuring smooth rotation and improved durability by evenly distributing the load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional pin and pulley structure is used in the end tool, then the structure is simple, but the load is unevenly distributed causing high friction and wear
Solution Approach 1:
A pin assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the pulley and the rotary shaft. This pin assembly includes multiple pins arranged in a circular pattern, which evenly distribute the load across multiple contact points, thereby reducing friction and wear while improving durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The load-bearing function is segmented by using multiple pins instead of a single contact point. The pins are arranged in a circular pattern around the pulley, dividing the total load into multiple smaller forces distributed across the pin surfaces, which prevents localized wear and improves overall reliability.
2Reliability
If the pin and pulley are in direct contact, then the structure is simple, but friction is high causing wear and reduced durability
Solution Approach 1:
The pin assembly serves as a mediator between the pulley and the rotary shaft, distributing the load across multiple pins. This intermediary structure reduces the contact pressure at each pin-pulley interface, thereby reducing friction and wear while maintaining rotational functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the pulley rotates without proper load distribution, then the operation is intuitive, but the pulley experiences high friction and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The load is segmented and distributed across multiple pins arranged in a circular pattern. This segmentation maintains the intuitive rotational operation while significantly reducing the friction and wear on individual components, thereby improving durability without compromising ease of operation.
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 end tool design enhances durability and reduces operational confusion by evenly distributing load on the pin and pulley, improving the end tool's durability and intuitive operation.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of friction reducing members arranged between an inner circumferential surface of the pulley and the pin
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an end tool of a surgical instrument and a method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly, an end tool of a surgical instrument that may be manually operated to be used in laparoscopic surgery or other various surgery and a method of manufacturing the end tool, wherein a load applied to a pin (rotary shaft) and the pulley is appropriately distributed such that the pulley may be sufficiently rotated and at the same time, an overall durability may be improved.