Surgical Button Circuits for Precise End Effector Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments lack efficient and precise control mechanisms for grasping, dissecting, clipping, and suturing tissues, often relying on manual force-based activation which can lead to inconsistencies and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The development of surgical instruments with button circuits that utilize pressure-sensitive buttons and strain gauges to control surgical tools, providing proportional and responsive activation based on user input, along with magnetic alignment and flexible circuits for enhanced connectivity and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional surgical instruments are used, then the device structure is simple, but surgical precision and control capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is divided into modular components including a handle assembly with drive module, a shaft assembly with articulation section, and an end effector. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently for precision while maintaining overall system manageability through standardized coupling mechanisms.
2Loss of information
If advanced control systems with sensors and actuators are added, then real-time feedback capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board integrates multiple control functions including motor control, sensor signal processing, and communication interfaces into a single consolidated unit within the handle assembly. This merging reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining real-time feedback capabilities through unified control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors positioned at the end effector and articulation section provide real-time feedback on tissue interaction forces, jaw position, and articulation angles. This feedback is processed by the circuit board to enable closed-loop control, improving surgical precision without requiring overly complex external monitoring systems.
3Productivity
If modular handle and shaft assembly with drive module are implemented, then procedural efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive module is designed as a self-contained unit with motor, speed reduction gear, and transmission elements that can be manufactured and tested independently before final assembly. This segmentation enables specialized manufacturing processes for each module while simplifying quality control and assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly with integrated drive module is designed to accommodate multiple shaft and end effector configurations through standardized coupling mechanisms. This universality allows a single handle design to support various surgical procedures, reducing the number of unique components that need to be manufactured.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A surgical instrument is disclosed comprising an actuator and circuitry mounted on and/or embedded in the actuator.