Surgical Handle Feedback Mechanism for Actuation Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments lack versatility and efficiency in performing various surgical tasks such as grasping, dissecting, clipping, and suturing due to limitations in end effector movement and power transmission, requiring multiple instruments and complex handling.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument system with a modular design featuring a handle and shaft assemblies, incorporating a rotary drive mechanism that selectively activates multiple end effector functions through a motor and gear system, allowing for articulation, rotation, and clamping, and equipped with sensors for clutch condition detection and adaptive control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate surgical instruments are used for different surgical tasks, then each instrument can be optimized for its specific function, but the complexity of the surgical system increases and requires multiple instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument incorporates a universal end effector system that can perform multiple surgical functions including grasping, dissecting, clipping, and suturing through a single integrated device. The end effector is designed with interchangeable components and adjustable configurations that allow it to adapt to different surgical tasks, eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments while maintaining optimized performance for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument is divided into modular segments including a handle assembly, shaft assembly, and interchangeable end effector components. This segmentation allows the end effector to be reconfigured or replaced for different surgical tasks while the core transmission mechanism remains integrated, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary drive mechanism with motor and gear system is integrated, then multiple end effector functions can be selectively activated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument replaces complex mechanical control systems with an integrated motor and gear system that can be selectively activated. The rotary drive mechanism uses electrical motors with controlled gear trains to actuate different end effector functions, reducing the need for multiple separate mechanical linkages and simplifying the overall mechanical complexity while maintaining functional versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism incorporates dynamically controllable motor activation where different motors or gear trains are selectively engaged based on the required end effector function. This dynamic selection allows the system to maintain simplicity by only activating the necessary mechanical pathways for each specific task rather than maintaining all mechanical connections permanently
3Measurement precision
If sensor feedback systems are added for clutch condition detection and adaptive control, then precision and control are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument incorporates sensor feedback systems that detect clutch conditions, motor status, and end effector position to provide real-time information to the control system. This feedback enables adaptive control where the system automatically adjusts operational parameters based on detected conditions, enhancing precision while managing complexity through intelligent control algorithms rather than additional mechanical components
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument system comprising a handle assembly is disclosed. The handle assembly comprises an actuation trigger comprising a curved proximal portion and a curved cylinder surrounding the curved proximal portion of the actuation trigger. The curved cylinder comprises an electroactive polymer. The surgical instrument system comprises an actuation rod which is configured to transmit an actuation force and a sensor system which is configured to detect the magnitude of the actuation force. The electroactive polymer is responsive to the actuation force and provides feedback to a user of the surgical instrument system.