Surgical Adapter Assembly with Multi-Orientation Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromechanical surgical devices are limited by a single connection orientation, which restricts versatility and comfort of use, and have inconsistent motor lifespans due to unique torque, speed, and runtime requirements for different surgical attachment functions, leading to potential operational failures if a motor fails.
Innovation Solution
An adapter assembly that allows connection to surgical devices and attachments in multiple orientations, reversing actuator functions and enabling interchangeable motor couplings to adjust the rate of motion, thereby enhancing usability and extending the lifespan of motors by distributing workload more evenly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single connection orientation is used for the adapter assembly, then the device structure is simple, but the versatility and comfort of use are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly employs asymmetric mating parts with specific geometric features (e.g., keyed interfaces, asymmetric electrical connector arrangements) that enable multiple distinct connection orientations while maintaining reliable mechanical and electrical connections. This asymmetric design allows the adapter to be connected in different orientations (e.g., 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees) without requiring completely different connection mechanisms for each orientation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors are used to drive different surgical attachment functions, then each function can be actuated independently, but the motor lifespan becomes inconsistent and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly incorporates a universal motor coupling mechanism that can connect different motors to different drive shafts based on the connection orientation. This allows a single motor to potentially drive different functions depending on how the adapter is oriented, or allows for motor substitution without redesigning the entire drive system. The electrical connector is configured to establish corresponding electrical connections between motors and drive shafts in multiple orientations, enabling flexible motor assignment.
3Ease of operation
If the adapter assembly is configured to reverse actuator functions between orientations, then usability and comfort are improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is designed to reverse the functional mapping between actuators and surgical attachment functions when connected in different orientations. For example, when connected in a first orientation, a first actuator may control a first function and a second actuator may control a second function; when connected in a second (reversed) orientation, the first actuator controls the second function and the second actuator controls the first function. This inversion allows practitioners to hold the surgical device in different orientations (e.g., left hand vs. right hand operation) while maintaining intuitive control.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter assembly (200) selectively interconnects a surgical device (100) with a surgical attachment (300) that is configured to perform at least one function. The adapter assembly includes a proximal end that includes at least one mating part (210) adapted to be detachably connected to a surgical device and configured to permit coupling of the adapter assembly to a surgical device in at least a first connection orientation and a second connection orientation.