Surgical Device Cab-Forward Handle Dual Dial Controller

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional surgical devices for clamping, cutting, and stapling lack maneuverability, requiring improved positioning of tissue between gripping elements during surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A powered rotating and articulating surgical device with a cab-forward configured handle, featuring a dual dial controller that allows for precise rotation and pivoting of the end effector via interconnected drive shafts and Hall-Effect switches, providing tactile and audible feedback for enhanced control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional pistol grip-styled surgical device is used, then the device structure is simple, but the maneuverability is poor and tissue positioning is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The end effector is designed with dynamic movement capabilities, allowing it to rotate about the shaft longitudinal axis and pivot relative to the shaft longitudinal axis. This enables the end effector to assume multiple orientations and positions, significantly improving maneuverability for tissue access and positioning while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The end effector incorporates two independent rotational degrees of freedom: rotation about the shaft longitudinal axis and pivoting relative to the shaft longitudinal axis. By adding these dimensional movements, the device achieves superior maneuverability without substantially increasing structural complexity, as the movements are achieved through integrated drive mechanisms rather than additional mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If the end effector can rotate and pivot, then tissue positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue positioning precisionVSAvoiddrive mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical linkage systems with motorized drive mechanisms. First and second drive shafts extend through the shaft portion and are operatively connected to the end effector, with rotation controlled by a controller. This substitution of mechanical systems with controlled drive shafts achieves precise positioning while managing device complexity through integrated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller receives input from the operator and controls the drive shafts to achieve desired end effector positioning. The controller coordinates the rotation and pivoting movements to achieve precise tissue positioning, managing the complexity through intelligent control rather than purely mechanical means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If a dual rotatable controller is added, then control precision is improved, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidcontroller operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The controller integrates multiple functions into a single device: it controls both the first drive shaft for rotation and the second drive shaft for pivoting. The controller accepts operator input and coordinates both rotational movements, achieving precise control without requiring separate control mechanisms, thereby maintaining ease of operation while improving control precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller merges the control of two independent drive shafts into a single integrated unit. By combining the control functions for rotation and pivoting in one controller, the device achieves precise control over the end effector's orientation while simplifying the operator interface, as both controls are accessible from a single location on the handle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 device enhances maneuverability and ergonomics, allowing for precise tissue positioning and efficient surgical procedures with improved comfort and control for the operator.

Implementation Method 1

The controller includes a first Hall-Effect switch associated with the first rotatable member for effectuating the rotation of the first drive shaft; and a second Hall-Effect switch associated with the second rotatable member for effectuating the rotation of the second drive shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall-Effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2893885B1Surgical device
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 COVIDIEN LP
  • EP2893885B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2893885B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2893885B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A surgical device includes a shaft portion coupled to a handle, the handle defining a longitudinal axis. The surgical device also includes a first driver configured to actuate a rotational movement via a first drive shaft and a second driver configured to actuate an articulation movement via a second drive shaft. The surgical device also includes a controller having a first dial and a second dial, the first dial actuated by the first driver and the second dial actuated by the second driver, the second dial positioned within the first dial.