Surgical Stapler Shaft Orientation Sensor Adaptive Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments lack an adaptive control system that enables precise and intuitive control over stapling and cutting operations, particularly in complex tissue environments.
Innovation Solution
The development of a surgical instrument featuring an adaptive control system that includes a handle with an orientation sensor, a shaft with magnetic elements, and articulation actuators, allowing for precise control and articulation of the end effector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surgical instruments use traditional control mechanisms, then the device structure remains simple, but the precision and intuitiveness of stapling and cutting operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control mechanisms with an adaptive control system that utilizes orientation sensors (detecting shaft orientation via magnetic elements) and articulation sensors (detecting end effector articulation) to automatically adjust operational parameters. This substitution of mechanical systems with sensor-based adaptive control enables precise stapling and cutting operations while maintaining intuitive control for the surgeon.
2Ease of operation
If surgical instruments lack orientation sensing capability, then the device structure remains simple, but the intuitiveness of tissue manipulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where orientation sensors continuously detect the shaft orientation relative to magnetic elements and articulation sensors detect end effector articulation. This feedback information is fed to the adaptive control system, which automatically adjusts operational parameters to match the actual instrument configuration, providing intuitive tissue manipulation that responds naturally to surgeon movements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If surgical instruments use fixed control parameters, then the device structure remains simple, but the adaptability to complex tissue environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adaptive control system that continuously adjusts operational parameters based on real-time sensor data. The system detects changes in shaft orientation, end effector articulation, and tissue characteristics, then dynamically modifies control parameters to optimize performance for the specific tissue environment, providing versatility across different surgical scenarios.
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 adaptive control system enhances the precision and intuitiveness of stapling and cutting operations, enabling better control over tissue manipulation and reducing the complexity of procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a shaft with magnetic elements detectable by the orientation sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument comprising an articulatable end effector and an articulation control system is disclosed. The articulation control system comprises actuators that, when actuated, cause the end effector to articulate in predetermined directions. When the end effector is rotated downwardly, the articulation control system flips, or switches, the response to the inputs from the actuators.