Surgical Joystick Switch Assembly for Precise End Effector Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical staplers face challenges in precise positioning and efficient operation, particularly in articulating the end effector relative to the elongate shaft, which limits dexterity and precision during minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a housing, multiple motors, and a joystick control assembly that includes switch assemblies and sensors, allowing for precise control signals to be sent to motors for articulation, firing, and rotation, enabling improved positioning and operation of the end effector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single joystick is used to control articulation, then the control structure is simple, but the positioning precision and dexterity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent joystick assemblies: a first joystick for controlling articulation about a first axis, and a second joystick for controlling articulation about a second axis. This segmentation allows each joystick to specialize in one degree of freedom, improving positioning precision while keeping each individual joystick simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface is extended from one dimension (single joystick) to two dimensions (two joysticks operating independently), enabling control over multiple articulation axes. This dimensional expansion provides more precise control authority over the end effector's orientation in three-dimensional space.
2Measurement precision
If multiple switches and sensors are added to the joystick assembly, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing functions are merged into a single integrated joystick assembly. The first switch assembly and second switch assembly are combined with multiple sensors (including Hall effect sensors) to detect both axial and lateral movements simultaneously. This merging reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high control precision through multi-parameter detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The joystick assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit that can detect movements in multiple directions (axial and lateral), control multiple motors independently, and provide precise positioning signals. This universal design eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms for each degree of freedom, reducing complexity while enhancing precision.
3Ease of operation
If axial movement of the first switch assembly is used to activate the second switch, then the control mechanism is simplified, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The first switch assembly is pre-configured with axial movement capability that automatically activates the second switch. This preliminary action allows the user to prepare for motor activation by simply moving the joystick axially, which then enables the second switch for additional control functions. This reduces the number of discrete actions required while maintaining a logical control sequence.
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
Enhances user dexterity and precision in positioning the end effector, facilitating more efficient and accurate surgical procedures by providing multiple degrees of freedom and precise control over the surgical instrument's movements.
Implementation Method 1
The first switch assembly includes a Hall effect sensor and a movable component. As the movable component moves, it changes the magnetic field strength at the location of the Hall effect sensor, which generates an analog control signal.
Data Source
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AI summary
A joy stick control assembly for operating a motor driven surgical instrument. In at least one form, the joystick control assembly comprises a first switch assembly that is movably supported by a housing. The first switch assembly may include a joystick that is movably mounted thereto such that pivotal movement of the joystick relative to the first switch assembly causes at least one corresponding control signal to be sent to at least one motor communicating therewith. The joystick control assembly may further include a second switch assembly that comprises a first sensor and a second sensor that is movable with the first switch assembly such that movement of the second sensor relative to the first sensor causes at least one other control signal to be sent to another one of the surgical instrument motors.