Surgical Instrument Pivotable Actuating Element Rotary Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments with linearly movable actuating elements for a knife are not ergonomically desirable and require significant space, affecting the opening angle of the jaws and increasing the risk of inadvertent tool actuation.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a pivotable actuating element and a coupling device that allows for a rotary coupling between the actuating element and the drive element, which can be decoupled to prevent inadvertent tool movement, featuring a coupling element that moves between a coupling and decoupling position, and a prestressing device to enhance safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a linearly movable actuating element is used to move the knife, then the tool can be actuated, but the instrument requires significant space and the shank parts become very long, affecting the opening angle of the jaws
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is designed to pivot about a pivot axis rather than move linearly, converting a static linear movement path into a dynamic rotational movement. This dynamic approach allows the actuating element to achieve the necessary displacement range while maintaining a compact structure that does not extend the shank part length.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional linear movement to two-dimensional rotational movement by pivoting the actuating element about an axis. This dimensional change enables the actuating element to move the knife effectively while occupying less space and not increasing the shank part length.
2Reliability
If the actuating element is always coupled to the drive element, then tool movement is ensured, but inadvertent tool actuation can occur when the jaws are open
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the actuating element and drive element is made dynamic rather than static. The coupling element can assume different positions (coupling and decoupling) based on the jaw state, allowing the system to adapt its connectivity dynamically. This ensures tool movement control when needed while preventing inadvertent actuation when jaws are open.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling state between the actuating element and drive element changes based on the jaw position. When jaws are closed, the coupling element assumes the coupling position establishing rotational coupling. When jaws are open, it assumes the decoupling position breaking the coupling. This parameter change in coupling state prevents harmful inadvertent actuation while ensuring reliable tool movement during operation.
3Reliability
If a coupling device with movable coupling element is used, then inadvertent tool actuation is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is integrated with either the actuating element or the drive element, merging the coupling function with an existing component rather than adding a completely separate mechanism. This integration reduces overall device complexity while still providing the necessary decoupling capability to prevent inadvertent tool actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is designed to automatically assume the coupling or decoupling position based on the jaw state, without requiring additional control mechanisms. The system self-regulates the coupling state, eliminating the need for complex external control systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high reliability.
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 ensures high work safety by preventing inadvertent tool actuation and maintaining ergonomic design, allowing for efficient tool movement while maintaining a compact instrument structure.
Implementation Method 1
a prestressing device (49) is provided which is set up to generate a prestressing force on the coupling element (41) in the direction of the decoupling position (D)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a surgical instrument (20) with a first branch (22) and a second branch (23) which are articulated to one another. A tool (30) is slidably mounted in a tool channel (31) in a longitudinal direction (L), preferably in or on the first branch (22). The tool (30) can be moved in the longitudinal direction (L) by means of an actuating device (33). The actuating device (33) includes an actuating element (34) and a drive element (35), which are pivotably mounted about a pivot axis (S), preferably on the first branch (22). A rotationally fixed coupling between the actuating element (34) and the drive element (35) can be established via a coupling device (40). The rotationally fixed coupling is preferably established by moving the branches (22, 23) into a closed position (II).