Articulation Drive for High-Angle Surgical End Effectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments lack versatility and efficiency in performing multiple functions such as grasping, dissecting, clipping, and suturing due to limited articulation and rotation capabilities, and often require manual dexterity that can be tiring and prone to error.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument system with a modular design featuring a handle and shaft assemblies that include a drive module with an electric motor, speed reduction gear, and articulation joint, allowing for rotatable and articulatable end effectors that can be selectively configured for different surgical functions through a clutch system and powered by interchangeable power modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surgical instruments use manual operation, then operator control is direct, but operator fatigue increases and precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electric motor system. The electric motor receives rotational input and converts it to controlled rotational and articulation movements of the end effector, eliminating the need for direct manual manipulation and reducing operator fatigue while maintaining precision through automated control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a clutch system as an intermediary between the motor and the end effector. The clutch selectively engages different functions (rotation, articulation, jaw actuation) based on motor rotation direction, providing precise control over multiple degrees of freedom without requiring direct manual manipulation of each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If surgical instruments have limited articulation capability, then device complexity is reduced, but versatility in performing multiple surgical functions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal drive system where a single electric motor can perform multiple surgical functions through selective clutch engagement. The motor can rotate the end effector, articulate the shaft assembly, and actuate the jaw assembly, allowing one device to perform grasping, dissecting, clipping, and suturing functions that would traditionally require multiple specialized instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dynamic clutch system that can selectively engage different mechanical paths based on the desired function. The clutch transitions between engaging the rotation path, articulation path, and jaw actuation path, allowing the instrument to dynamically adapt its degree of freedom and function based on surgical needs without requiring multiple static mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If surgical instruments require high manual dexterity, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for manual dexterity with an electric motor-driven system. The motor receives rotational input and automatically converts it to precise rotational and articulation movements through geared mechanisms and clutch control, eliminating the need for skilled manual manipulation while maintaining high control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically translating motor rotation into the appropriate end effector movements. The clutch system and gear mechanisms automatically select and execute the correct motion path (rotation, articulation, or jaw actuation) based on motor rotation direction, without requiring the operator to manually coordinate multiple degrees of freedom.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument is disclosed comprising a shaft, an end effector, and an articulation joint rotatably connecting the end effector to the shaft. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulation drive system configured to permit high degrees of articulation.