Rotary to Linear Motion Adapter for Surgical End Effectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical devices with linear driven end effectors are not compatible with powered surgical devices that use rotary motion, necessitating the need for adapters with quick-connect/quick-disconnect mechanisms to facilitate compatibility and efficient operation.

Innovation Solution

A surgical device and adapter assembly that includes a power-pack with a drive coupling assembly, allowing for the conversion of rotary motion from the surgical device into axial translation for operating end effectors, and featuring a quick-connect mechanism for easy attachment and detachment of end effectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If linear driven end effectors are used with rotary driven surgical devices, then compatibility is achieved, but device complexity increases due to the need for adapters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility between linear driven end effectors and rotary driven surgical devicesVSAvoidcomplexity of adapter assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An adapter assembly serves as an intermediary component between the rotary driven surgical device and the linear driven end effector. The adapter includes a proximal interface that couples to the rotary drive shaft and a distal interface that couples to the linear end effector, enabling motion conversion and compatibility without requiring modification of the end effector itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter assembly replaces the need for a linear driven surgical device by converting rotary motion from the rotary driven device into linear motion suitable for operating the end effector. This substitution allows the use of rotary driven devices with linear driven end effectors through mechanical motion conversion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If quick-connect mechanism is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential connection issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attachment and detachment of end effectorsVSAvoidreliability of connection between adapter and end effector
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling interface is segmented into discrete coupling features on the adapter and corresponding coupling features on the end effector. This segmentation allows for modular assembly and disassembly while maintaining secure connection during operation, enabling quick connection without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables seamless compatibility between linear driven end effectors and rotary driven surgical devices, enhancing operational efficiency and ease of use by allowing for selective actuation of different functions of end effectors through independent rotation of coupling shafts.

Implementation Method 1

a power-pack with a drive coupling assembly, allowing for the conversion of rotary motion from the surgical device into axial translation for operating end effectors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotary to linear motion conversion: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3677197B1Handheld electromechanical surgical system
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 COVIDIEN LP
  • EP3677197B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3677197B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3677197B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of assembling a handheld electromechanical surgical device, comprising: providing a hand-held electromechanical surgical device, including: providing a handle assembly including: a power pack (101) including: a core assembly (106) having a plurality of motors, with each motor having a rotatable drive shaft extending therefrom, wherein each drive shaft is parallel to one another; a processor connected to and configured to control each motor; and a battery electrically connected to the processor and each motor; and an inner housing (110) encasing at least the plurality of motors, the processor, and the battery, the inner housing including at least one control interface actuatable to control a functionality of at least one of the plurality of motors; and providing a sterile outer shell housing (10) configured to selectively encase substantially the entire power pack therein, wherein a rotation from each rotatable drive shaft of each motor is transmitted through the inner housing and the outer shell housing, and wherein the outer shell housing includes at least one control button (30, 32a, 32b) for operative registration with each control interface of the power pack; inserting the handle assembly into a receiving cavity of the sterile outer shell housing while maintaining a sterility of the outer shell housing; and closing the outer shell housing to encase the handle assembly.