Surgical Adapter Finger Switch Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand-held electromechanical surgical instruments often have cluttered handle assemblies due to unnecessary switches for various surgical loading units, which complicates the actuation of different functions.
Innovation Solution
An adapter assembly with a housing, elongate shaft, and a switch assembly that includes a finger switch and biasing assembly, allowing for the actuation of multiple surgical loading units without cluttering the handle assembly, using a magnet to activate the sensor and provide tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the handle assembly includes all switches necessary to activate functions of many different types of surgical loading units, then the surgical instrument can operate multiple surgical loading units, but the handle assembly becomes cluttered with unnecessary switches
Solution Approach 1:
The switch assembly is segmented from the handle assembly and integrated into the adapter assembly instead. This separates the switching functionality from the handle, allowing the handle to remain clean and simple while the adapter (which is specific to each surgical loading unit type) contains the necessary switches. The switch assembly includes a pivotable finger switch with a magnet that actuates functions through magnetic interaction with the surgical loading unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly serves as an intermediary between the handle assembly and the surgical loading unit. It includes the switch assembly that mediates the control signals from the user to the surgical loading unit, eliminating the need for multiple switches in the handle assembly. The adapter-specific design allows it to provide the necessary switching functionality for each specific surgical loading unit type without cluttering the universal handle assembly.
2Ease of operation
If a pivotable finger switch with magnet is used in the adapter assembly, then tactile feedback and sensor activation are achieved, but the adapter assembly structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The finger switch assembly replaces traditional mechanical switch mechanisms with a magnetic field-based sensing system. A magnet is positioned on the finger switch, and a sensor in the surgical loading unit detects the magnet's position to determine switch actuation. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical contacts and springs, providing tactile feedback through the finger switch's physical movement while using non-contact magnetic sensing for activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of switch actuation from direct mechanical contact to magnetic field detection. By positioning a magnet on the finger switch and using a magnetic sensor in the surgical loading unit, the system detects switch state through magnetic field changes rather than mechanical contact. This parameter change simplifies the mechanical structure while maintaining tactile feedback through the physical movement of the finger switch.
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 the efficient actuation of various surgical functions with a streamlined handle assembly, reducing clutter and enhancing usability by using a pivotable finger switch and biasing assembly to activate motors in different directions.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet configured to activate a sensor of the handle assembly upon movement of the finger switch to the activated position
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter assembly includes a housing, an elongate shaft, and a switch assembly. The switch assembly is partially disposed within the housing and includes a finger switch, and a biasing assembly engaged to the finger switch. The finger switch is pivotably coupled to the housing between an inactivated position and an activated position. The finger switch has a distal portion, and a proximal portion having a magnet configured to activate a sensor of the handle assembly upon movement of the finger switch to the activated position. The biasing assembly biases the finger switch toward the inactivated position.