Surgical Instrument Handle Assembly With Single-Motor Gear Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical instruments require multiple motors for various functions, leading to increased size, weight, and cost, as well as complex electrical components and circuitry, which complicates manufacturing and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A single-motor transmission assembly with a selector cam and coupling shafts that selectively engage different output gears to drive specific functions, allowing a single motor to operate multiple functions by positioning the selector cam to couple the motor with the appropriate output shaft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple motors are used to drive various functions of surgical end effectors, then functional versatility is improved, but device size, weight, and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single motor is designed to perform multiple functions by selectively driving different output shafts through a transmission assembly. The motor serves as a universal drive source that can operate various surgical end effector functions (stapling, cutting, clamping) by engaging different output shafts, thereby eliminating the need for multiple dedicated motors while maintaining full functional versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple motor functions are merged into a single motor system with a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly combines multiple output shafts and gears into one integrated mechanical system, allowing a single motor to deliver power to different functions as needed, thus consolidating what would traditionally require separate motor units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple motors are used for different functions, then functional capability is improved, but device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The single motor is designed as a universal drive source capable of operating multiple surgical functions through selective engagement with different output shafts. This eliminates the weight of multiple motor units while preserving full functional capability through the transmission assembly's ability to route power to different outputs as needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple motors are used to drive various functions, then functional performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The single motor design serves as a universal drive source for multiple surgical functions, reducing the bill of materials by eliminating redundant motor components. This universal approach simplifies manufacturing workflows and reduces assembly complexity while maintaining full functional performance across all surgical modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple motor functions are merged into one integrated transmission assembly, reducing the total component count and simplifying manufacturing processes. The consolidated design reduces assembly steps, lowers inventory complexity, and decreases overall manufacturing cost while preserving all required functional performances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple motors and electrical components are used, then functional control is improved, but system reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional controlVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single motor with selective output engagement reduces the number of electrical components and control circuits needed. By using one reliable motor source with mechanical selection of output shafts, the system minimizes electrical connection points and control electronics, thereby improving overall system reliability while maintaining full functional control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The design extracts and eliminates redundant motors and their associated electrical components from the system. By removing unnecessary motors and simplifying the electrical architecture to a single motor control system, the patent reduces potential failure points while preserving complete functional control through the transmission assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11802609B2Handle assemblies for hand-held surgical instruments

Publication Date: 2023.10.31 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

A handle assembly includes a single-motor transmission assembly for actuating various functions of an attached end effector.