Modular Surgical Instrument Drive With Selective Clutch Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical instruments lack versatility and efficiency in performing various tissue manipulation tasks, such as grasping, dissecting, clipping, and suturing, due to limitations in end effector movement and power transmission mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A surgical instrument system with a modular design featuring a handle and shaft assemblies, incorporating a rotary drive mechanism that selectively activates multiple end effector functions through a combination of motorized and mechanical components, including clutches and sensors for precise control and articulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rotary drive mechanism with multiple clutches is used to selectively activate multiple end effector functions, then the versatility and adaptability of the surgical instrument is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveend effector function versatilityVSAvoiddrive mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary drive mechanism is designed to selectively activate multiple end effector functions (grasping, dissecting, clipping, suturing) through a single integrated drive system with multiple clutches, allowing one mechanism to perform multiple functions rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive mechanism is segmented into multiple clutches (first clutch, second clutch, third clutch) that can be independently engaged or disengaged, allowing selective activation of different end effector functions by controlling which clutch is engaged

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If motorized components and sensors are integrated for precise control, then the measurement precision and control accuracy are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Sensors are integrated into the surgical instrument to detect the state of clutches and end effector positions, providing feedback signals to the control system to enable precise control and monitoring of the instrument's operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Motorized components replace traditional mechanical actuation systems, using electrical motors to drive the end effector functions with greater precision and controllability compared to purely mechanical systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11648022B2Surgical instrument systems comprising battery arrangements

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

A surgical instrument system comprising a handle, a shaft, and a disposable power module is disclosed. The handle comprises a motor, a control switch, and a motor-control processor which is in communication with the control switch. In various instances, the disposable power module comprises a disposable battery and a display unit configured to indicate at least one function of the surgical instrument system.