Surgical Instrument Linear Translation for Precise Accessory Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments lack an efficient mechanism for precise linear translation, which limits their ability to accurately maneuver and control surgical accessories during procedures.
Innovation Solution
The surgical instrument incorporates a telescoping nose mechanism with a nose tube that linearly translates via an intermediate unit and a drive motor, allowing for precise movement along a third degree of freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a traditional telescoping mechanism with threaded nose tube and rotor is used, then the instrument can achieve linear translation, but the manufacturing precision and control accuracy are insufficient for modern surgical requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical threaded telescoping mechanism with a motorized linear translation mechanism. The drive motor (226) with rotor (230) and drive gear (236) provides controlled rotation, which is then converted to linear motion through a leadscrew (1238) and carriage (1242) system. This substitution enables precise control of the nose tube (1212) linear translation, achieving manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining manageable device complexity through standardized motor components.
2Measurement precision
If the nose tube is directly telescoped without an intermediate unit, then the structure is simpler, but the control precision and stability of linear translation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate unit (1228) comprising a carriage (1242) that serves as a mediator between the rotational drive system and the linearly moving nose tube. The carriage engages with the leadscrew (1238) to convert rotational motion into precise linear translation of the nose tube (1212). This intermediary mechanism enhances position control precision and stability while isolating the complexity of the translation mechanism from both the motor assembly and the surgical accessory interface.
3Measurement precision
If free hand operation without tracking system is used, then the operation is more flexible, but the positioning accuracy and safety of surgical procedures deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a tracking system with optical markers (such as LEDs) on the hand-held surgical instrument that provides real-time feedback on the instrument's position and orientation. The tracking device detects these markers to determine three-dimensional position (x, y, z coordinates) and orientation (pitch, roll, yaw) of the instrument, feeding this information back to the control system. This feedback mechanism maintains surgical flexibility while significantly improving positioning accuracy and safety through continuous monitoring and display on monitors alongside preoperative or intraoperative images.
4Adaptability or versatility
If only two degrees of freedom are provided for the surgical instrument, then the device is simpler, but the adaptability and versatility of the instrument deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic pivoting mechanism that provides three degrees of freedom for the hand-held surgical instrument. The mechanism includes pivoting joints that enable rotation about multiple axes, allowing the instrument to adapt to various surgical angles and orientations. The drive motor (226) can selectively actuate each degree of freedom as needed, providing full adaptability while managing complexity through controlled actuation rather than permanently engaged mechanical linkages for all degrees of freedom.
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
This solution enables the surgical instrument to achieve precise control and positioning of surgical accessories, enhancing the accuracy and safety of surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a drive motor cooperating with the carriage to linearly translate the nose tube
Implementation Method 2
The intermediate unit includes a plurality of leadscrews (1238) extending axially and spaced circumferentially. Each of the leadscrews (1238) includes a plurality of threads (1239) therealong.
Implementation Method 3
The tracking device has a plurality of optical markers such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) to determine the position and orientation of the surgical instrument.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument comprises a hand-held portion configured to be manipulated by a user and a pivoting portion operatively coupled to the hand-held portion. The pivoting portion is configured to pivot with respect to the hand-held portion according to first and second degrees of freedom. The pivoting portion includes an accessory drive motor, an accessory drive member configured to be driven by the accessory drive motor, a plurality of lead screws, a carriage including a central aperture axially extending through the carriage and configured to interface with and linearly translate along the plurality of lead screws, and a linear drive motor configured to rotate the plurality of lead screws to linearly translate the carriage relative to the hand-held portion with respect to a third degree of freedom. The accessory drive member extends through and is configured to move within the central aperture of the carriage.