Surgical Adapter Rotary to Linear Drive Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical devices with linear driving mechanisms are not compatible with those using rotary motion, limiting the interconnectivity and functionality between linear driven loading units and rotary driven surgical devices or handle assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A surgical adapter with a drive assembly featuring sets of right-handed and left-handed threads allows for independent rotation of drive elements, enabling distal translation of the first drive element for fastener ejection and the second drive element for knife advancement, facilitating different surgical functions through opposite rotation directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a linear driving mechanism is used in surgical devices, then loading units can be operated with linear force, but these devices are not compatible with surgical devices that use rotary motion to deliver power
Solution Approach 1:
A adapter assembly serves as an intermediary component that couples a rotary driven handle assembly to a linear driven loading unit. The adapter includes a rotary to linear converter mechanism that transforms rotational motion from the handle assembly into linear motion to actuate the loading unit, enabling compatibility between otherwise incompatible systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the motion parameter from rotational to linear through the adapter assembly. The rotary driven handle assembly operates with rotational motion while the loading unit requires linear motion, and the adapter transforms between these two motion types, allowing both components to work together effectively.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary driven handle assembly is used, then surgical functions can be actuated through rotation, but linear driven loading units cannot be operated
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly acts as a mediator that enables the rotary driven handle assembly to operate the linear driven loading unit. It includes mechanical components such as gears, racks, or lead screws that convert rotational input from the handle into linear displacement of the loading unit's actuation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly replaces the need for a separate linear driving mechanism by using mechanical conversion elements. The rotary motion is substituted and transformed into linear motion through mechanical components, eliminating the need for two separate drive systems.
3Reliability
If separate linear and rotary driven surgical devices are maintained, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but interconnectivity and functionality between devices are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly provides universality by enabling a rotary driven handle assembly to operate both rotary and linear driven loading units. This multi-functional capability allows a single handle assembly to interface with multiple types of loading units, increasing system versatility while maintaining optimized performance of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into modular components: the handle assembly, the adapter assembly, and the loading unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while the adapter provides the interface that enables interconnectivity between different types of components.
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
Enables seamless compatibility and operation between linear and rotary driven surgical devices, allowing for efficient execution of various surgical functions such as stapling and cutting by translating rotational forces into axial movements within the surgical device.
Implementation Method 1
a first drive element threadably engaged with the drive assembly. Rotation of the drive assembly in a first direction about the longitudinal axis results in distal translation of the first drive element
Implementation Method 2
The surgical device includes a biasing element configured to simultaneously proximally bias the first and second drive elements
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A
AI summary
A surgical device comprising: an actuation mechanism; an adapter including a first drive configured to mechanically engage the actuation mechanism; first and second drive elements disposed in mechanical cooperation with the first drive; and an end effector operatively coupled with the first and second drive elements, wherein rotation of the first drive in a first direction advances the first drive element in a third direction and rotation of the first drive in a second direction opposite from the first direction advances the second drive element in the third direction.