Surgical End Effector Coupler with Angled Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical instruments with exchangeable end effectors require multiple connection shafts, leading to weak connections, alignment challenges in small spaces, and the need for additional locking mechanisms, which complicates attachment within a patient's body cavity.

Innovation Solution

A method and end effector design that allows remote attachment of an end effector to a surgical instrument's shaft using a base with a coupler and a center rod, enabling angled insertion and automatic locking through a spring-biased mechanism, reducing the number of connecting shafts and eliminating the need for precise alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple connection shafts are used to attach end effectors, then the end effector can be securely connected, but the connection becomes weaker and requires precise alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidalignment difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into separate functional components: a coupler with a pocket that receives the center rod, a spring mechanism for automatic locking, and a base structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, eliminating the need for multiple shafts while maintaining secure connection and reducing alignment requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupler acts as an intermediary component between the end effector base and the surgical instrument shaft. It provides a pocket that receives the center rod and incorporates a spring mechanism that automatically locks the connection, serving as a mediator that simplifies the attachment process without requiring precise alignment or multiple shafts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection shafts are used, then attachment can be achieved, but additional locking steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment capabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring mechanism automatically locks the center rod into the coupler pocket when the end effector is inserted into the surgical instrument. The system serves itself by using the insertion motion to trigger the automatic locking action, eliminating the need for separate locking steps and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining attachment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the end effector is inserted directly in line with the shaft, then connection is simplified, but precise alignment is required in small spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion simplicityVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler pocket is designed to receive the center rod at an angle rather than requiring direct linear alignment. This angular reception capability allows the end effector to be inserted from a different dimension relative to the shaft, simplifying the insertion process in confined spaces while eliminating the need for precise linear alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of operation

If a single shaft is used, then alignment is easier, but the connection becomes weaker

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment easeVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functions of multiple shafts into a single integrated coupler structure. The coupler combines the reception of the center rod, the spring locking mechanism, and the structural support into one unified component, achieving both alignment ease and connection strength that would require multiple separate shafts.

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

This solution provides a strong, secure connection of the end effector to the surgical instrument's shaft without the need for multiple shafts, facilitating easier attachment in confined spaces and minimizing the force required for operation.

Implementation Method 1

securing the distal tip of the center rod within the pocket of the coupler by biasing the center rod longitudinally relative to the coupler by a spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS9023015B2Laparoscopic instruments, attachable end effectors and methods relating to same

Publication Date: 2015.05.05 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

There is provided a method of attaching an end effector to a surgical instrument having a center rod with a distal tip. The method includes providing an end effector having a base and a coupler defining a pocket and movably mounted within the base. The end effector is moved over the center rod such that the distal tip of the center rod is seated within the pocket of the coupler. There is also disclosed an end effector including a base having a slot, a coupler movably mounted within the base and defining a pocket for receipt of a moving member of a surgical instrument and an operative member movably mounted on the base and connected to the coupler.