Surgical Adapter Rotary to Linear Motion Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical devices with linear driven end effectors are not compatible with those using rotary motion, leading to unwanted over-articulation during stapling, and there is a need for adapters to interface between linear and rotary driven systems to minimize this issue.
Innovation Solution
A surgical adapter with a handle assembly and adapter housing that includes axially translatable drive members and rotatable drive shafts, featuring drive converter assemblies to convert rotary motion from the handle assembly into axial translation for the end effector, thereby reducing over-articulation and enabling compatibility with both linear and rotary driven systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary driven surgical device is used with a linear driven end effector, then compatibility between different drive systems is achieved, but unwanted over-articulation occurs during stapling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary component that connects the rotary driven handle assembly to the linear driven end effector. The adapter includes a rotary to linear converter mechanism that transforms rotational motion into linear motion, serving as a mediator between incompatible drive systems. This resolves the compatibility issue while maintaining articulation stability through the rigid structural connection provided by the adapter housing and its engagement features.
2Productivity
If forces are transmitted to the handle assembly during firing of the stapling mechanism, then the end effector performs its clamping and stapling function, but unwanted over-articulation is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the force transmission path by introducing the adapter as a separate component between the handle assembly and end effector. The adapter housing contains the force transmission elements and isolates the reactive forces generated during stapling from the handle assembly's articulation joints. This segmentation allows the stapling function to proceed while preventing force-induced over-articulation through the adapter's rigid structural design.
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
The adapter effectively minimizes unwanted articulation during stapling by converting rotary motion into axial translation, ensuring compatibility and reducing mechanical stress, thus enhancing the operational efficiency of surgical devices with both linear and rotary driven end effectors.
Implementation Method 1
The adapter includes a rotary to linear converter that converts a rotation of a drive shaft of the handle assembly into an axial translation of a drive member of the end effector
Data Source
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AI summary
Adapter assemblies are provided for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector that is configured to perform at least a pair of functions and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector, wherein the end effector includes a first axially translatable drive member and a second axially translatable drive member, and wherein the surgical device includes a first rotatable drive shaft and a second rotatable drive shaft.