Surgical Instrument Actuation Input Mechanism for Safe Manual Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments require manual gripping and actuation during cleaning, which can be hazardous due to sharp surfaces, and existing solutions do not adequately facilitate the actuation of components like end effectors and wrists during the cleaning process.
Innovation Solution
An actuation input mechanism with an interface structure and shaft that can be driven by a teleoperated surgical system, featuring a depression shaped to receive a fingertip and incorporating gripping features to allow safe and effective manual actuation of surgical instrument components during cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual gripping and actuation is used during cleaning, then components can be actuated to expose surfaces for cleaning access, but the user is exposed to sharp surfaces causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary actuation mechanism that allows users to operate surgical instrument components during cleaning without directly gripping sharp surfaces. The mechanism includes an actuation interface with a depression shaped to receive a fingertip, which transmits force through a transmission element to actuate the end effector or wrist, serving as a safe mediator between the user and hazardous components
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the instrument is attached to a surgical system for automated actuation, then safe actuation is provided, but manual actuation capability during cleaning is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation interface is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be engaged with the surgical system's drive structure for automated actuation during surgery, and simultaneously provides manual actuation capability through the depression and gripping features during cleaning procedures, making the interface universal for both operational modes
3Ease of operation
If gripping features are added to the interface structure, then manual actuation becomes easier and safer, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies gripping features locally at specific locations on the interface structure where user contact is needed, rather than complicating the entire device. The depression shaped to receive a fingertip and the gripping features are concentrated in the actuation interface area, providing enhanced manual operability without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An actuation input mechanism for a teleoperated surgical instrument may include an interface structure and a shaft connected to the interface structure. The interface structure may be engageable with a drive structure of an actuation interface assembly of a teleoperated surgical system to be driven by the drive structure. The shaft may be rotatable in response to the interface structure being driven. The interface structure may comprise a depression shaped and sized to receive a fingertip. The interface structure may further comprise one or more gripping features disposed in the depression. A surgical instrument for a teleoperated surgical system may include an instrument shaft, an end effector, and a force transmission mechanism. The force transmission mechanism may comprise an actuation input mechanism to transmit drive forces to actuate the surgical instrument, the actuation input mechanism including an interface structure and a shaft.