Surgical Adapter Assembly Drive Coupling for Versatile End Effector Connection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powered surgical devices lack a versatile and efficient adapter assembly for selectively connecting end effectors to actuation units, limiting their functionality and reusability across various surgical functions.
Innovation Solution
The adapter assembly incorporates a drive coupling system with multiple drive assemblies, including a drive screw, cam assemblies, and connector members, allowing for the transfer of rotational motion to linear motion to perform distinct functions such as clamping, stapling, and cutting, enabling flexible attachment to different end effectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single adapter assembly design is used for multiple surgical functions, then device versatility is improved, but the complexity of the adapter assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is divided into three separate drive assemblies (first drive assembly with drive screw, second drive assembly with first cam assembly, third drive assembly with second cam assembly), each responsible for a specific surgical function. This segmentation allows the adapter to perform multiple functions while maintaining manageable complexity by organizing functions into modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly is designed as a universal interface that can connect to a powered surgical instrument and selectively attach to various end effectors. The multiple drive assemblies enable the same adapter to perform different surgical functions (clamping, stapling, cutting) by engaging different drive members, achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple separate adapters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drive assemblies are integrated into one adapter, then functional versatility is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The three drive assemblies are designed as separate, modular units that can be manufactured independently using standard manufacturing processes for each component type (screw mechanisms, cam mechanisms). This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process compared to creating a monolithic multi-functional adapter, as each assembly can be produced and tested separately before final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive assemblies are arranged in a nested configuration where the first drive member, second drive member, and third drive member are disposed in sequence along the longitudinal axis, with each subsequent drive member positioned within or adjacent to the previous one. This nested arrangement compactly integrates multiple functions into a single adapter body while maintaining ease of assembly and manufacturing.
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 enables the adapter assembly to efficiently perform multiple surgical functions by translating rotational motion into precise linear movements, enhancing the versatility and reusability of powered surgical devices across various surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The first drive assembly includes a drive screw, the second drive assembly includes a first cam assembly, and, the third drive assembly includes a second cam assembly
Implementation Method 2
The second drive assembly includes a second drive member operably connected to the first cam assembly. The first cam assembly is rotatable from a first orientation to a second to move the second drive member from a proximal position to a distal position in axial alignment with a longitudinal axis of the adapter assembly
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
An adapter assembly for connecting an end effector to a surgical instrument includes first, second, and third drive assemblies configured for converting rotational motion into linear motion. Each of the second and third drive assemblies includes a cam assembly for longitudinally advancing and retracting respective second and third drive members.