Surgical Handle Force Restriction with Adjustable Overload Limit

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handles for surgical instruments with overload protection are fixed to a specific force limit value, making them unsuitable for modular systems where different tools and components have varying load limits, and lack the ability to adjust or deactivate force limitation based on the tool's requirements.

Innovation Solution

A handle with a first rigid lever section and a second elastically deformable lever section, featuring a slide that can be positioned along the rigid lever to adjust the force limitation, allowing for variable stop points and adaptable force absorption, suitable for modular systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a robotic arm is designed to accommodate multiple surgical tools with different functions, configurations, and weights, then the system's versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases and requires multiple end effectors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to accommodate multiple surgical toolsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal end effector with a standardized interface that can accommodate multiple surgical tools with different functions, configurations, and weights. This single multi-functional end effector replaces the need for multiple specialized end effectors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to accommodate various surgical tools throughout the procedure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If different types of tools are removed and attached to the robotic arm during a surgical procedure, then adaptability is improved, but the time to perform the procedure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to use different surgical toolsVSAvoidprocedure time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a pre-configured universal end effector with a standardized quick-change interface that allows surgical tools to be rapidly exchanged during the procedure. The preliminary design of this universal interface enables fast tool changes without requiring complex removal and attachment procedures, thereby maintaining adaptability while significantly reducing the time lost during tool transitions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If the robotic arm is designed for highly accurate and precise operation, then cutting precision is improved, but the robotic arm becomes vulnerable to damage from high impact forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidresistance to impact forces
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a decoupling mechanism that separates the high-precision robotic arm from the high-force cutting tool. The robotic arm precisely positions a less precise but more robust intermediary tool, which then performs the high-force cutting action. This intermediary approach allows the robotic arm to maintain its precision advantages while avoiding direct exposure to damaging impact forces during cutting operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4547131B1Handle with force restriction, surgical instrument, and modular instrument system
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 KARL STORZ SE & CO KG
  • EP4547131B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4547131B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4547131B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6(b)

AI summary

The present invention relates to a handle (1) for a surgical instrument (10), the handle (1) comprising a first handle part (3) with a rigid lever portion (3.1) and a second handle part (2) with an elastically deformable lever portion (2.1). The second handle part (2) is pivotably connected to the first handle part (3) and the elastically deformable lever portion (2.1) is designed to restrict an actuation force applied to the second handle part (2) to a predetermined limit force by way of elastic deformation. A carriage (4) which is movable and positionable along the rigid lever portion (3.1) and which comprises a bearing portion (4.2) pointing in the direction of the elastically deformable lever portion (2.1) and providing a stop for the elastically deformable lever portion (2.1) is arranged on the rigid lever portion (3.1). A surgical instrument (10) comprising a handle (1) with an adjustable force restriction and a modular surgical instrument system are also disclosed.