Surgical Instrument Deployment Mechanism for Bipolar and Monopolar Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical instruments face spatial and functional constraints when incorporating multiple deployment structures for actuating various components, leading to complexity and inefficiency in deploying multiple functional components within limited housing spaces.
Innovation Solution
A deployment mechanism with a first and second actuator member that moves the energizable member between storage and deployed positions, utilizing translational or rotational movements, and includes a gear member and racks to efficiently transition between positions, allowing for both bipolar and monopolar modes of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple deployment structures are added to actuate additional functional components, then the functionality and versatility of the surgical instrument is improved, but the device complexity and spatial requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple deployment structures into a single integrated deployment mechanism that can actuate both the first and second functional components. The mechanism includes a deployment member with first and second actuators that share common structural elements, allowing multiple functions to be achieved through a unified system rather than separate independent mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment mechanism is designed as a multi-functional system where a single mechanism can deploy different functional components (such as cutting elements and coagulation elements) through different actuation modes. The mechanism can selectively actuate either the first functional component, the second functional component, or both, providing universal deployment capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple deployment structures are added to actuate additional functional components, then the functionality and versatility of the surgical instrument is improved, but the housing space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment mechanism employs a nested arrangement where the first and second actuators are positioned within or alongside each other, sharing common structural support and housing space. The actuators can be arranged in a compact configuration where one actuator is partially or fully contained within the spatial envelope of the other, maximizing space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement to accommodate multiple actuators, transitioning from a linear one-dimensional layout to a multi-dimensional configuration. The actuators can be arranged in different orientations (axial, radial, or angular positions) around a central axis, allowing efficient packing within the housing volume.
3Device complexity
If combined deployment structures are used to reduce component count, then the device complexity is reduced, but additional force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment mechanism incorporates dynamic force distribution where the force application is selectively directed to either the first functional component, the second functional component, or both simultaneously based on operational requirements. The mechanism can modulate force magnitude and direction dynamically, using spring-loaded elements or biased actuators that engage only when needed, rather than requiring constant high force for all operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a housing, an energizable member, and a deployment mechanism. The energizable member is movable relative to the housing between a storage position and a deployed position. The deployment mechanism includes a first actuator member movable relative to the housing from a first un-actuated position to a first actuated position to move the energizable member from the storage position to the deployed position and a second actuator member movable relative to the housing from a second un-actuated position to a second actuated position to move the energizable member from the deployed position to the storage position. Movement of the first actuator member from the first un-actuated position to the first actuated position effects movement of the second actuator member from the second actuated position to the second un-actuated position and vice versa.