Handling Device Orientation Mechanism for Micro-Invasive Surgical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Micro-invasive surgical instruments with curved shafts face challenges in rotating the tool relative to the shaft within a body cavity, requiring precise orientation and coupling mechanisms that are not adequately addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A handling device with an orientation device that allows the proximal end of a transmission rod to be inserted without considering its orientation, featuring a rod coupling that can slide or rotate, and an orientation device that rotates the transmission rod into predetermined orientations, enabling easy assembly and operation of micro-invasive surgical instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a curved shaft is used to enable work through a single trocar, then the instrument can access difficult-to-reach areas, but the tool cannot be easily rotated about its longitudinal axis to change orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into separable components: a shaft, a tool, and a handling device. The shaft can be detached from both the tool and handling device, allowing independent manipulation and rotation of components outside the body cavity during assembly and cleaning, while maintaining the curved configuration needed for single-trocar access during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanisms between components are designed to be dynamic and reconfigurable. The shaft features a proximal end with a non-rotationally symmetrical transmission rod that can be inserted into the handling device in any orientation, and the orientation device automatically or manually rotates it to the correct predetermined orientation, enabling easy reorientation without requiring the entire curved shaft assembly to be rotated within the constrained body cavity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the tool and shaft are designed for easy separation and assembly without aids, then cleaning is facilitated, but the coupling mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanisms are designed as self-aligning and self-latching systems. The orientation device with its through-opening and sliding surfaces automatically orients the transmission rod correctly upon insertion without requiring external alignment aids or tools. The bayonet coupling and other connection mechanisms feature automatic locking and unlocking capabilities that allow rapid assembly and disassembly by simple rotational or linear motions, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or additional assembly aids while maintaining ease of cleaning.
Data Source
AI summary
The handling device (50) comprises a gripping device for manual holding and guiding, a shaft coupling for detachable mechanical coupling of the handling device with the proximal end (32) of a shaft (30), and a rod coupling that is slidable or rotatable in the handling device for detachable mechanical coupling with the proximal end (42) of a transmission rod (40). An orientation device rotates the proximal end of the transmission rod inserted in the handling device into a predetermined orientation or into one of several predetermined orientations. An independent claim is included for micro-invasive surgical instrument.