Surgical Loader Stabilizing Washers for Articulation Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical loading devices face challenges in stabilizing the articulating distal portion relative to the elongate shaft during end effector loading, leading to misalignment and improper attachment of end effectors due to cable or wire-based articulation systems, which cause undesirable relative motion between the end effector and the surgical device.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an end effector delivery device with an articulation rack and pinion mechanism, coupled with deformable washers that provide a biasing force to stabilize the articulating delivery end, allowing precise control over the angle between the articulating delivery end and the elongate shaft, ensuring secure attachment and detachment of end effectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cable or wire based articulation systems are used to articulate the distal portion of the loader, then the loader can be articulated to different angles, but undesirable relative motion occurs between the end effector and the surgical device shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces cable/wire-based articulation systems with a rack and pinion mechanical system. The rack is coupled to the articulating distal portion and the pinion is rotated to articulate the distal portion relative to the shaft, providing positive mechanical engagement that prevents undesirable relative motion while maintaining articulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a stabilizing feature as an intermediary element between the articulating distal portion and the shaft. This stabilizing feature maintains a stable relationship during articulation, ensuring the end effector remains properly aligned with the shaft while the distal portion is being articulated to different angles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distal portion of the loader is articulated during end effector loading, then angle adjustment is possible, but misalignment and improper attachment of end effectors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a stabilizing feature that pre-establishes proper alignment between the end effector and the shaft before the loading process begins. This preliminary stabilization ensures that as the distal portion is articulated to different angles, the end effector remains precisely aligned with the shaft, preventing misalignment and improper attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing feature provides continuous mechanical feedback to maintain the correct angular relationship between the distal portion and the shaft during articulation. This feedback mechanism ensures that the end effector stays properly aligned with the shaft throughout the loading process, enabling precise attachment even when angle adjustments are made.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separate loading device is used to deliver end effectors, then device versatility is improved, but the complexity of the loading process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the articulation mechanism and the stabilization function into an integrated system within the loading device. The rack and pinion system simultaneously provides articulation capability and maintains stability, reducing the number of separate components needed and simplifying the overall loading process while preserving device versatility.
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 enhances the stability and precision of end effector loading by maintaining the desired angular position of the articulating distal portion, preventing misalignment and ensuring proper attachment, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
deformable washers that provide a biasing force to stabilize the articulating delivery end
Implementation Method 2
an articulation rack and pinion mechanism, coupled with deformable washers that provide a biasing force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3B
Figure 3C~3D
AI summary
Surgical devices and methods are described. The loading devices can include an elongate shaft (202) extending distally from a housing (208) and a hinge (205) can be disposed between the elongate shaft (202) and an articulating distal portion (204). The articulating distal portion (204) can hold an end effector (130) to be loaded onto a surgical device (100). The loading device can have features for stabilizing and holding the distal portion at a particular angular position relative to the elongate shaft, such as washers (290, 292) having protrusions that seat in corresponding recesses formed in the hinge. During articulation of the distal portion, an articulation rack (268) can be advanced which can deform the protrusions on the washers. The washers can rotate and seat in the recesses at the next angular position and change the degree of articulation. The deformable washer and corresponding recesses can apply a biasing force that holds the articulating distal portion in a desired angled position.