Surgical Instrument Locking Mechanism for Position Stability

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical instruments lack a mechanism to maintain the end tool in a specific position without continuous user force, leading to difficulties in procedures like suturing where the instrument needs to hold tissue securely.

Innovation Solution

The surgical instrument incorporates a locking device with a locking portion and a coupling portion, allowing for intuitive operation by ensuring the manipulation direction of the user matches the operation direction of the end tool, and providing a locking mechanism to maintain the end tool in position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a surgical instrument is designed without a locking mechanism, then the structure remains simple and easy to operate, but the instrument cannot maintain a specific position without continuous user force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device enables the surgical instrument to maintain its position autonomously without requiring continuous user force. The locking portion and coupling portion work together to automatically hold the end tool in place, allowing the instrument to serve itself in maintaining position stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: a locking portion and a coupling portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to achieve overall position stability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If a locking mechanism is added to maintain position, then position stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device enables the surgical instrument to maintain its position autonomously without requiring continuous user force. The locking portion and coupling portion work together to automatically hold the end tool in place, allowing the instrument to serve itself in maintaining position stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: a locking portion and a coupling portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to achieve overall position stability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If the manipulation portion and end tool are directly connected, then the device structure is simple, but the precision and control during surgical procedures are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidconnection structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling portion acts as an intermediary component between the manipulation portion and the end tool. It provides a controlled interface that enhances precision and control while managing the complexity of the connection structure through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12303157B2Surgical instrument

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 LIVSMED INC

AI summary

Surgical instrument is provided. The surgical instrument is capable of being operated manually or automatically for use in laparoscopic surgery or various surgeries and includes a locking device capable of locking and/or unlocking at least one operation.