Steerable Surgical Device Joystick Ball Joint Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steerable surgical devices face limitations in precision and ease of use due to reliance on external fulcra, such as patient tissue or the surgeon's hand, which can complicate access to anatomical areas during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device featuring a joystick with a ball joint mechanism and connecting wires that allow for two-dimensional input, enabling intuitive movement of a tool without external fulcra, with a fulcrum assembly that transmits mechanical forces through a shaft with both rigid and articulating portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external fulcra (patient tissue or surgeon's hand) are used for steering the surgical device, then the device can achieve positioning capability, but the precision and ease of use are limited and access to anatomical areas is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fulcrum function from external sources (patient tissue or surgeon's hand) and relocates it to an internal fulcrum assembly within the device housing. This allows the surgeon to control the tool's orientation through a joystick without needing external reference points, thereby improving both positioning precision and ease of operation while simplifying access to anatomical areas
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediate fulcrum assembly as a mediator between the surgeon's manual input via joystick and the tool's positioning at the distal end. This intermediate mechanism translates small joystick movements into precise tool orientation changes, enhancing control precision and ease of use without requiring external fulcra
2Measurement precision
If a joystick with ball joint mechanism and connecting wires is implemented for direct control, then precision and ease of use are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a joystick for input, a ball joint mechanism for motion transformation, connecting wires for force transmission, and a fulcrum assembly for mechanical advantage. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system precision, managing complexity through modular design
3Adaptability or versatility
If external fulcra are eliminated for direct joystick control, then access and maneuverability are improved, but the mechanical transmission system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a ball joint mechanism that transforms one-dimensional joystick linear motion into two-dimensional angular movements, enabling the tool to articulate in multiple directions. This dimensional transformation provides enhanced access and maneuverability in anatomical spaces without requiring external fulcra, as the internal fulcrum assembly handles the complex motion geometry
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
This solution enhances precision and ease of use by allowing direct control over the surgical tool's movement, reducing the effort required for positioning and eliminating the need for external fulcra, thereby improving access and maneuverability during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The intermediate member is operably connected to the joystick by a ball joint
Implementation Method 2
at least one connecting wire is fixed to the intermediate member. The at least one connecting wire is configured to transmit mechanical force from movement of the intermediate member to the tool
Implementation Method 3
the surgical device includes a resilient member configured to urge the joystick to a neutral position
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical device according to an exemplary aspect of this disclosure includes, among other things, a tool at a distal end of the surgical device, and a joystick including a ball. Movement of the joystick results in movement of the tool. The surgical device further includes a housing including a socket receiving the ball of the joystick.