Surgical End Effector Locking Mechanism for One-Handed Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical tool support systems require the use of two hands to position and adjust surgical tools, and many devices do not allow for adjustment once the tool is retained, limiting efficiency and requiring additional assistance during procedures.
Innovation Solution
An end effector for surgical arms that includes a housing, a driving body, and a pair of closable jaws, allowing for one-handed adjustment and retention of surgical tools, with a lock mechanism that enables the jaws to open and close without requiring manual operation of both hands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two hands are used to position and adjust surgical tools, then positioning accuracy and control are improved, but operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector enables one-handed operation through self-servicing mechanisms. The surgical tool itself interacts with the end effector components (such as engaging with the jaws or actuating the locking mechanism) to achieve positioning and adjustment without requiring a second hand for assistance, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy
2Stability of the object's composition
If surgical tools are retained in fixed position, then stability during procedure is improved, but adaptability for adjustment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector incorporates dynamic characteristics that allow it to transition between stable retention and adjustable states. The locking mechanism can be engaged to provide stable positioning during procedures, and disengaged to allow adjustment when needed, enabling the system to adapt between stability and adjustability based on procedural requirements
3Device complexity
If manual holding of surgical tool is required, then simplicity of system is maintained, but productivity and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector acts as an intermediary component between the surgical arm and the surgical tool. It provides a mechanical interface that enables secure retention and adjustment of the tool, eliminating the need for manual holding while maintaining relative system simplicity. This intermediary mechanism improves productivity by removing the requirement for continuous manual assistance
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector for a surgical arm can include a housing, a stem secured to the housing configured to releasably couple the end effector to the surgical arm, a pair of opposing jaws pivotably coupled to the housing, a driving body translatable within the housing operable to open the opposing jaws and to close the opposing jaws, a drive spring, and a lock body movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the locking body configured to engage the housing and the driving body in the locked position to limit distal translation of the driving body with respect to the housing.