Surgical Tool Articulation Locking Assembly for Lower Lever Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical devices require high forces to articulate the tool assembly due to the need to overcome the biasing member of the articulation mechanism, limiting ease of use in confined surgical environments.
Innovation Solution
An articulation mechanism with a pair of locking assemblies that can be unlocked to reduce the force required for manipulation, allowing the articulation lever to move freely in either direction, facilitated by a ratchet system and cam surfaces to translate rotational motion into longitudinal movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a biasing member is used in the articulation mechanism to provide locking force, then the reliability of the locking mechanism is improved, but the force required to manipulate the articulation lever increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assemblies are moved from locked to unlocked positions before the articulation lever moves, preparing the system in advance to reduce the force needed during actual articulation. This preliminary unlocking action allows the biasing member's force to be applied progressively rather than all at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocked state through the articulation lever's movement. The locking assemblies dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged states, allowing the mechanism to adapt its force requirements during operation rather than maintaining constant high force.
2Stability of the object's composition
If locking assemblies are engaged to prevent movement of the articulation lever, then the stability of the articulation mechanism is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assemblies are prepared in advance by moving them to the unlocked position before articulation is needed. This preliminary action ensures that when articulation is required, the lever can move freely without having to overcome engaged locking forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assemblies engage and disengage periodically based on the articulation lever's position and the surgical procedure's needs. This periodic engagement provides stability when needed while allowing ease of operation when articulation is required.
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
Reduces the force needed to articulate the tool assembly, enabling smoother and more efficient operation of surgical devices in tight surgical access conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The first ratchet has an annular array of teeth supported within the circular bore. The second ratchet has an annular array of teeth positioned adjacent the first ratchet. The first locking member is configured to prevent rotation of the articulation lever in a counterclockwise direction when the first locking member is in its first position. The second locking member is configured to prevent rotation of the articulation lever in a clockwise direction when the second locking member is in its first position.
Implementation Method 2
The shaft extends through the opening in the base wall of the housing. The drive member is rotatable in response to rotation of the articulation lever. The articulation link is coupled to the second end of the drive member such that rotation of the drive member causes longitudinal movement of the articulation link.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device includes an elongate body, a tool assembly supported on the elongate body for articulation, and an articulating mechanism for selectively articulating the tool assembly in relation to the elongate body. The articulation mechanism includes an articulation lever and a pair of locking assemblies. The articulation lever is movable to articulate the tool assembly in relation to the elongate body about an articulation axis. The locking assemblies are configured to prevent movement of the articulation lever until one of the locking assemblies is moved from a locked position to an unlocked position. The locking assemblies are movable from their locked positions to their unlocked positions prior to movement of the articulation lever to reduce the force required to manipulate the articulation lever and to facilitate articulation in continuous fashion.