Surgical Handle Adapter for Rotary-to-Linear End Effector Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical devices with linear driving mechanisms are not compatible with those using rotary motion, limiting their application in procedures requiring end-to-end or transverse anastomosis, as they cannot interface effectively with rotary-driven handle assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A drive converter assembly that includes a knob housing, drive coupling assembly, and a system of rotatable drive connectors and connector sleeves, allowing for the conversion of rotary motion from the handle assembly into axial translation and articulation for the end effector, enabling compatibility between linear and rotary-driven surgical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If linear-driven end effectors are used with rotary-driven surgical devices, then compatibility between different drive systems is achieved, but additional adapter components are required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
A drive adapter assembly serves as an intermediary component between the rotary-driven surgical device and linear-driven end effector. The adapter includes a drive converter assembly with a connector sleeve that receives rotary motion from the surgical device and converts it to linear motion to drive the end effector, enabling compatibility between incompatible drive systems without modifying the original components
Solution Approach 2:
The drive converter assembly changes the motion parameter from rotary to linear through mechanical conversion. The connector sleeve rotates within the adapter housing, and this rotary motion is converted to linear reciprocating motion of the drive shaft through cam mechanisms or rack-and-pinion systems, allowing the end effector to be driven by a rotary-driven surgical device
2Adaptability or versatility
If drive converter assembly is added to enable compatibility, then functionality is enhanced, but the adapter assembly becomes more complex with multiple rotatable components
Solution Approach 1:
The drive adapter assembly is designed to be universally compatible with multiple end effector types while being driven by a standard rotary-driven surgical device. The adapter housing and connector sleeve configuration allows different end effectors to be attached while maintaining the same rotary-to-linear conversion mechanism, providing multi-functionality without requiring multiple specialized adapters
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 the use of linear-driven end effectors with rotary-driven surgical devices, enhancing compatibility and functionality in various surgical procedures by allowing independent rotation and articulation of the end effector, thus expanding the range of applications.
Implementation Method 1
a spur gear, a gear set, ring gear rotate, thereby causing the housing to rotate, which ultimately causes rotation of the end effector about a longitudinal axis of the adapter assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
An adapter assembly for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector and a handle assembly having a rotatable drive shaft, the adapter assembly comprising a knob housing configured to couple to the handle assembly, the knob housing including a drive coupling housing and a drive converter assembly configured to mechanically interconnect the rotatable drive shaft and a portion of a surgical end effector, wherein the drive converter assembly is configured to convert rotation of the rotatable drive shaft into axial translation of a drive member of the surgical end effector, wherein the drive converter assembly includes a first drive converter assembly including a drive element rotatably supported in the knob housing, a first gear disposed in mechanical cooperation with a distal portion of the drive element, a second gear disposed in mechanical cooperation with the first gear, a gear ring disposed in mechanical cooperation with the second gear and disposed in mechanical cooperation with an end effector-engaging portion of the adapter assembly, the gear ring being fixed from rotation with respect to the knob housing; and a rotation bearing, wherein the drive coupling housing is rotationally fixed to the rotation bearing, and wherein the knob housing is rotatable with respect to the rotation bearing.