Surgical Stapler Pulse Width Modulated Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling and cutting instruments face challenges in efficiently stapling and cutting tissue, particularly in providing precise control and articulation of the end effector.
Innovation Solution
The development of a surgical instrument with a handle and a rotatable shaft, featuring articulation actuators on opposing sides of the handle and a 4-way tactile articulation control, allows for precise control and articulation of the end effector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a surgical stapler uses conventional motor control, then the staple firing is simple, but the precision and control during tissue stapling is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The motor control system dynamically adjusts operating parameters (speed, force, pulse width modulation) during the staple firing process based on real-time feedback from sensors. This allows the system to adapt to varying tissue conditions and achieve precise control without requiring complex mechanical adjustments, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors are integrated into the stapler to detect parameters such as firing force, position, and tissue resistance in real-time. This feedback is fed to the control system which automatically adjusts motor parameters to maintain optimal stapling conditions, enabling high precision through electronic control rather than mechanical complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the end effector is made articulatable for better tissue access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation function is segmented from the main stapler body, allowing the end effector to be articulated independently. This modular approach provides better tissue access while keeping the overall device complexity manageable by isolating the articulation mechanism in a separate, controllable module.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation mechanism replaces complex mechanical linkages with an electromechanical system driven by motors and controlled by electronic signals. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving ease of operation through precise electronic control of the articulation angle and speed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the stapler provides adjustable speed control, then the adaptability to different tissue types is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system adjusts motor operating parameters (speed, force, pulse width) based on detected tissue properties. By changing these parameters dynamically rather than requiring multiple fixed mechanical settings, the system achieves high adaptability to different tissue types while maintaining relatively simple control architecture through software-based parameter modulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument comprises a surgical end effector having a movable jaw. The moveable jaw includes a first jaw and a second jaw, the second jaw rotatable relative to said first jaw between an open position and a fully-clamped position. A shaft frame operably interfaces with said surgical end effector and comprises a top frame segment having an arcuate outer surface. A closure tube is provided to slide relative to said shaft frame and contact said movable jaw when said closure tube is moved distally through a closure stroke to move said movable jaw from an open position to a fully-clamped position. Said top frame segment comprises a sealing member which creates at least a partial seal between said closure tube and said frame.