Surgical Conductor Strain Relief for Articulation
Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical apparatuses experience strain on electrical connections during articulation of the tool assembly, which can lead to damage or detachment of cables, necessitating a strain relief mechanism to prevent such issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a strain relief portion in the electrical conductor, such as a flexible cable with coils that can lengthen or shorten to accommodate articulation, thereby relieving tension and compression, and being securely affixed within a channel in the body portion to maintain electrical coupling between the handle and tool assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tool assembly is articulated relative to the body portion, then the surgical apparatus can access different anatomical positions, but strain is applied to the electrical conductor connecting the handle assembly to the tool assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical conductor is designed as a flexible cable that can bend and deform without breaking, allowing it to accommodate the articulation movements of the tool assembly while maintaining electrical connectivity between the handle assembly and tool assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection system is made dynamic by allowing the flexible cable to change its configuration during articulation, transitioning from a rigid fixed-length connection to a flexible variable-length connection that adapts to the articulation angle
2Reliability
If a rigid electrical conductor is used to ensure stable electrical connection, then electrical coupling is maintained, but the conductor is susceptible to damage during articulation
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid electrical conductor is replaced with a flexible cable that maintains electrical conductivity while possessing the mechanical flexibility to withstand articulation strains without damage
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cable design inherently cushions against strain forces before they can reach critical levels that would cause conductor damage, absorbing the mechanical stress through elastic deformation
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electrical conductor is made flexible to accommodate articulation, then strain relief is achieved, but the conductor may detach from connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The proximal end of the flexible cable is securely affixed to the body portion before articulation occurs, establishing a stable anchor point that prevents detachment during subsequent articulation movements
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cable design allows for controlled movement and deformation while maintaining connection integrity through proper anchoring at both ends, accommodating articulation without compromising connection stability
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
The strain relief mechanism effectively prevents damage to the electrical conductor during articulation, ensuring reliable operation and extending the lifespan of the surgical apparatus by reducing the risk of cable breakage or detachment.
Implementation Method 1
The strain relief portion includes a plurality of coils. A height of the plurality of coils may decrease from a proximal portion of the plurality of coils to a distal portion. Alternatively, the height of the plurality of coils is uniform from a proximal portion of the plurality of coils to a distal portion.
Implementation Method 2
The strain relief portion is configured to permit lengthening of the electrical conductor. Alternatively, or in addition, the strain relief portion is configured to permit shortening of the electrical conductor.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical apparatus having an electrical conductor with a strain relief is provided. A tool assembly is supported on a body portion and is articulable relative to the body portion. The tool assembly includes an identification assembly in electrical communication with a powered handle assembly. An electrical conductor extends from a connection assembly in the body portion to the identification assembly. The electrical conductor includes a strain relief portion for accommodating the articulation of the tool assembly relative to the body portion.