Surgical Handle Mechanism for One-Handed Effector Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments for minimally invasive surgery require multiple simultaneous operations of actuating mechanisms, leading to difficult control and uncomfortable user postures, with challenges in precise manipulation and maintaining the effector's position.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with two independent manual actuating members - a first rotatable around a longitudinal axis and a second rotatable and axially movable - allowing for independent and sequential control of effector movements, including rotation, tilting, and opening/closing, without requiring a change in grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operating mechanisms are provided for independent movements of the effector, then the functionality of the surgical instrument is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult control and uncomfortable user posture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuating functions into a single integrated handle piece that can perform rotation, tilting, and effector actuation through sequential operations. The handle piece integrates a rotary knob for rotation and a trigger for effector actuation, allowing the user to control all effector movements from one location rather than requiring separate controls for each degree of freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle piece is designed with dynamic characteristics including an inclinable mounting to the coupling member via a hinge mechanism, allowing the handle piece to pivot. This dynamic design enables the user to adjust the handle piece angle for comfortable positioning while maintaining control over multiple effector movements through sequential actuation of the rotary knob and trigger.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuating elements are arranged for simultaneous operation, then the effector can perform complex movements, but the device complexity increases and one-handed operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the actuation sequence into distinct phases: first rotating the rotary knob to position the distal end section, then actuating the trigger to close the effector jaws. This segmentation of the operating sequence into discrete, sequential steps simplifies the control mechanism compared to requiring simultaneous coordination of multiple independent controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle piece serves multiple functions: it provides rotation control via the rotary knob, effector actuation via the trigger, and can be inclined for ergonomic positioning. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single handle piece assembly, the patent reduces the number of separate components and control mechanisms needed.
3Ease of operation
If the handle piece is released, then the user can change position, but the distal end section returns to its original position losing the maintained posture
Solution Approach 1:
The user performs the rotation adjustment via the rotary knob before actuating the trigger to close the effector. This preliminary positioning action ensures that when the effector is closed, the distal end section is already in the desired position. The sequential operation allows the user to set the position first, then secure it with the effector closure.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument with a handle, a shaft extending from the handle into a distal direction, and an effector, preferably a (medical/surgical) forceps or a scissor, at a distal end of the shaft. The handle comprises a plurality of manual actuating members being adapted to manipulate the effector for rotating, tilting and open-closing movements. The plurality of manual actuating members comprise a first actuating member being rotatable around a rotational axis, which is a longitudinal axis of the shaft or that is parallel offset to the longitudinal axis, and a second actuating member being rotatable around a rotational axis, which is identical to the rotational axis of the first actuating member or is parallel offset thereto and being movable (axially) along the longitudinal axis of the shaft.