Surgical instrument having force feedback capabilities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments lack effective feedback mechanisms, leading to uncertainty for surgeons when performing functions like articulation and firing, which can result in wasted time and potential instrument damage.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a sensor system that communicates with a force delivery system to provide haptic feedback when a limit point of a surgical function is reached, using a motor driven by a sine wave or square wave signal to deliver vibratory forces and indicate the completion of functions like articulation or firing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no feedback mechanism is provided, then the instrument structure remains simple, but the surgeon experiences uncertainty when performing functions leading to wasted time and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a sensor detects when a limit point of a surgical function is reached and communicates this information to a force delivery system. The force delivery system then provides haptic feedback through vibratory forces delivered to the user's hand, enabling the surgeon to confidently know when a function has been completed without exceeding instrument limits.
2Ease of operation
If haptic feedback is provided through vibratory forces, then clear status indication is achieved, but the device requires additional components increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional visual or auditory feedback mechanisms with haptic feedback through vibratory forces. This substitution provides clear status indication through tactile sensation that the surgeon can feel during operation, improving ease of operation while integrating the feedback system into the existing instrument structure.
3Reliability
If limit detection is implemented, then instrument damage is prevented, but the device requires additional sensing and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting the limit point of a surgical function before the surgeon can exceed it. The sensor detects when the limit is reached and triggers the force delivery system to provide haptic feedback, preventing the surgeon from continuing beyond the safe operating range and avoiding instrument damage before it can occur.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables surgeons to confidently complete surgical functions without exceeding limits, reducing time wastage and preventing instrument damage by providing clear feedback on the status of the instrument's actions.
Implementation Method 1
A motor driven by a sine wave or square wave signal delivers vibratory forces and indicates the completion of functions
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument has a force delivery system which communicates a changing force to a user of the surgical instrument when a limit of a surgical function is reached. A sensor senses position of a moving element to communicate a signal to the force delivery system. In various embodiments, the system generates a vibratory force to signal the user.