Modular Adapter Assembly for Surgical Instrument End Effector Connection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powered surgical devices lack efficient adapter and extension assemblies for selectively connecting end effectors, limiting the reuse and versatility of handle assemblies and end effectors, and requiring disposal or sterilization of adapter assemblies.
Innovation Solution
The development of an adapter assembly with a drive transfer assembly, pusher assemblies, a drive member, an extension assembly, and a trocar assembly, featuring retention members for secure engagement, allowing for the selective connection and disconnection of end effectors to surgical instruments, enabling reuse and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adapter assemblies are designed for selective attachment to connect handle assemblies with various end effectors, then the versatility and reuse capability are improved, but the device complexity and sterilization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is divided into separate modular components including a proximal adapter portion that attaches to the handle assembly, a distal adapter portion that connects to the end effector, and retention members that secure the connection. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured, sterilized, and maintained while providing versatile connectivity between different surgical devices and end effectors.
2Ease of operation
If adapter assemblies are made disposable to simplify sterilization, then the ease of operation and infection control are improved, but the loss of substance and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly incorporates retention members with features such as nubs and detents that enable secure attachment during use, followed by easy release and removal. The design allows the adapter components to be efficiently separated from the end effector after use, facilitating rapid disposal or sterilization processes and minimizing the time and resources required for handling disposable components.
3Reliability
If retention members are designed for secure engagement, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of disassembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention members feature asymmetric geometric profiles including nubs on one component that engage with corresponding detents on the mating component. This asymmetric design provides reliable directional engagement and secure locking during use, while the inherent geometry of the asymmetric features allows for straightforward alignment and release during disassembly, reducing operational complexity.
4Ease of repair
If adapter assemblies are designed for easy disassembly and cleaning, then the ease of repair and maintenance are improved, but the reliability and secure engagement may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retention members are designed with dynamic engagement characteristics where the nubs and detents provide firm locking during the surgical procedure to ensure reliable connection, but can be easily disengaged when needed for cleaning or replacement. The design allows the connection to transition from a secure locked state during use to an easily separable state for maintenance, balancing reliability with ease of repair.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter assembly for connecting an end effector to an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The adapter assembly includes a drive transfer assembly, first and second pusher assemblies, a drive member, an extension assembly, and a trocar assembly. The drive transfer assembly includes first, second and third rotatable shafts. Each pusher assembly is operably connected to a rotatable shaft for converting rotational motion from one rotatable shaft to longitudinal movement to perform a different function. The drive member is operably connected to the third rotatable shaft for transferring rotational motion from the third rotatable shaft to perform a third function. The extension assembly is operably connected to a distal end of the adapter assembly and includes at least one flexible band assembly operably connected to one of the first and second pusher assemblies. The trocar assembly is configured for releasable engagement with the extension assembly.