Surgical Articulation Assembly Backlash Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic surgical devices face challenges in articulation mechanisms due to backlash, which can hinder precise tool orientation and affect the accuracy of surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The articulation assembly incorporates a camming support with a camming groove and a lever assembly that transitions between straight and articulated configurations, utilizing a camming pin and slider to minimize backlash through controlled axial displacement, allowing for precise tool positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional articulation mechanism is used in endoscopic surgical devices, then the device can achieve articulation functionality, but backlash occurs which hinders precise tool orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: a camming mechanism for controlled articulation, a ratchet mechanism for position locking, and a release mechanism for repositioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, eliminating backlash by ensuring smooth transitions between articulation states without mechanical interference
Solution Approach 2:
A camming surface acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the articulation joint, providing controlled force transmission. The camming mechanism includes a camming surface that engages with a camming follower, creating a mechanical advantage that enables precise articulation control while eliminating gaps and backlash in the force transmission path
2Adaptability or versatility
If an articulation mechanism with multiple moving parts is implemented, then articulation capability is achieved, but mechanical backlash and play occur affecting accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism is designed to engage automatically as the articulation joint reaches its articulation limit, preliminarily locking the position before any backlash can occur. This preliminary action ensures that the articulation mechanism maintains precise positioning without requiring additional correction mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The camming groove geometry is specifically designed with varying angles in different regions: a first angle in the first region and a second angle in the second region. This parameter change optimizes the mechanical advantage at different articulation positions, ensuring smooth transitions and eliminating backlash throughout the full range of motion
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 reduces axial and lateral backlash, enabling more precise control and accurate positioning of surgical instruments, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of endoscopic surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The camming support defines a camming groove configured to cammingly engage the camming pin. The camming groove includes a transition portion, a distal portion, and a proximal portion. The transition portion is interposed between the distal and proximal portions.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to an articulation assembly configured for backlash compensation for use with surgical devices. The articulation assembly includes an articulation lever assembly configured to reduce axial backlash. The articulation assembly further includes an articulation joint configured to reduce lateral backlash.