Surgical End Effector Adaptive Control for Multi-Cartridge Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical suturing instruments lack efficient and precise mechanisms for maneuvering and articulating end effectors within the patient's body during minimally invasive procedures, leading to difficulties in effectively suturing tissues.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument system comprising a handle, shaft assemblies, and an end effector with a modular design, featuring a drive module with a motor and speed reduction gear, and a clutch system controlled by electromagnetic actuators, allowing for precise rotation and articulation of the end effector about multiple axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modular design with multiple cartridge types is implemented, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is divided into modular components including a handle assembly and multiple interchangeable cartridge assemblies. Each cartridge contains specific suturing components (needle, suture, clamps) that can be independently selected and replaced based on surgical requirements, enabling adaptability without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly serves as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of cartridge assemblies through standardized coupling mechanisms. The drive module and control system remain consistent across different cartridge types, allowing one handle to perform multiple suturing functions by simply changing cartridges.
2Manufacturing precision
If electromagnetic actuators and clutch systems are added for precise control, then manufacturing precision and control accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical control mechanisms are replaced with electromagnetic actuators that provide precise positioning and control of the end effector. The electromagnetic system enables accurate rotation and articulation movements without requiring complex mechanical linkages, reducing mechanical complexity while improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch system enables dynamic engagement and disengagement of drive mechanisms during operation, allowing the end effector to be selectively rotated or articulated only when needed. This dynamic control provides precise maneuverability while keeping the system simple during non-active periods.
3Measurement precision
If speed reduction gears are implemented, then control precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic actuators inherently provide speed reduction and torque multiplication through their design, eliminating the need for separate mechanical gear systems. This achieves precise control and appropriate force levels without adding the complexity and size of traditional speed reduction mechanisms.
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
Enables precise and efficient suturing by allowing for controlled clamping, opening, rotation, and articulation of the end effector, improving the surgeon's ability to maneuver and position the instrument within the patient's body during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a clutch system controlled by electromagnetic actuators
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical suturing system is disclosed. The surgical suturing system comprises a shaft, a firing drive comprising a motor, and an end effector extending distally from the shaft. The end effector comprises a needle driver configured to be actuated by the motor, wherein the needle driver is configured to drive a needle installed within the end effector. The end effector further comprises a needle track configured to guide the needle installed within the end effector through a needle firing stroke, wherein the end effector is configured to accommodate suturing needles having different sizes. The surgical suturing system further comprises a control circuit configured to sense the size of the suturing needle installed within the end effector and adjust the actuation stroke of the motor to accommodate the size of the needle installed within the end effector.