Surgical Instrument Locking Mechanism Single-Handed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laparoscopic instruments lack dexterity, requiring both hands to control and struggle with tasks like suturing and fine dissection due to limited ability to maintain instrument position and orientation, especially in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a proximal control handle and distal tool interconnected by an elongated shaft, featuring proximal and distal movable members, cable actuation means, and a locking mechanism that allows the proximal handle to be re-positioned while maintaining the distal tool in a predetermined position, enabling single-handed operation and enhanced dexterity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If extra articulation is provided with separately disposed control member, then instrument control is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring both hands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single integrated control member. The control member simultaneously controls articulation of the shaft, rotation of the distal end, and positioning of the tool, eliminating the need for separate control members for each function and enabling single-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control member is designed as a universal control interface that performs multiple functions: it articulates the shaft, rotates the distal end about the longitudinal axis, and positions the tool. This multi-functional design reduces the number of controls needed and simplifies operation.
2Ease of operation
If instrument is designed to maintain position in confined space, then dexterity is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to limited mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument incorporates dynamic control mechanisms that allow real-time adjustment of the shaft articulation, distal end rotation, and tool positioning. The control member enables dynamic repositioning while maintaining stability in confined spaces, adapting to various surgical scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument shaft is divided into segments with independent articulation capabilities. The proximal end of the shaft can be articulated relative to the distal end, and the distal end can rotate independently, allowing precise positioning in confined spaces while maintaining overall instrument functionality.
3Stability of the object's composition
If locking mechanism is added to maintain position, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is integrated into the existing control mechanism rather than being a separate component. The control member and its associated mechanisms incorporate locking capability that works in conjunction with the articulation and rotation controls, providing stability without adding significant complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument that includes an instrument shaft having proximal and distal ends, a tool disposed from the distal end of the instrument shaft, a control handle disposed from the proximal end of the instrument shaft, a distal motion member for coupling the distal end of the instrument shaft to the tool, a proximal motion member for coupling the proximal end of the instrument shaft to the handle, actuation means extending between the distal and proximal motion members for coupling motion of the proximal motion member to the distal motion member for controlling the positioning of the tool and a locking mechanism for fixing the position of the tool at a selected position and having locked and unlocked states.