Surgical Tool Clutch Mechanism for Independent Spline Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic surgical systems face challenges in decoupling the functions of robotic surgical tools from their drivers, limiting flexibility and independence in minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical tool design featuring a drive housing with a spline and pinion gear system, a clutch mechanism that allows independent rotation of the spline from the drive input, and a biasing element to maintain the clutch in a disengaged position, enabling decoupling from the robotic instrument driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the surgical tool is coupled to the robotic instrument driver, then the tool can be actuated by the driver, but the tool cannot rotate independently of the driver
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism transitions between engaged and disengaged states, allowing the spline to dynamically switch between being driven by the drive input and rotating independently. This dynamic state change enables independent rotation while maintaining the ability to be driven when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch acts as an intermediary element between the drive input and the spline. When disengaged, it allows the spline to rotate independently; when engaged, it couples the spline to the drive input. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing conditional coupling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clutch is engaged to couple the spline and drive input, then rotation is transmitted from the drive input to the spline, but the tool lacks flexibility and independence
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element creates a dynamic system where the clutch is normally disengaged (providing flexibility) but can be engaged when needed (maintaining reliability). The spring-loaded design ensures the clutch returns to the disengaged state after use, automatically restoring operational flexibility.
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 design enhances the flexibility and independence of surgical tools, allowing for more intuitive and precise control during minimally invasive procedures by decoupling the tool's operation from the driver, improving ease of use and reducing reliance on the robotic system.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element that urges the clutch into the first position
Implementation Method 2
the internal gear simultaneously mates with the spline and input pinion gears such that rotation of the drive input correspondingly rotates the spline
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical tool comprising a drive housing having a first end, a spline extending from the first end and having a spline pinion gear mounted to the spline, a drive input that rotatably couples the spline to the first end and provides an input pinion gear; a clutch interposing the spline and input pinion gears and defining an internal gear, and an armature. The armature may be operatively coupled to the clutch and operable to shift the clutch from a first position, where the internal gear simultaneously mates with the spline and input pinion gears such that rotation of the drive input correspondingly rotates the spline, to a second position, where the internal gear is disengaged from the input pinion gear such that the spline is rotatable independent of the drive input.