Surgical Instrument Motor Speed Control via Force-Sensitive Resistor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments lack control over the speed of the firing assembly, which is crucial for adapting to varying surgical conditions such as tissue thickness during procedures like endo-gastrointestinal anastomosis and transverse anastomosis.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a motor speed control system that includes a first switch and a force-sensitive resistor, allowing clinicians to adjust the speed of the drive shaft by applying varying forces, enabling the motor to rotate at different radial speeds based on the applied pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a predetermined speed is used for advancing the firing assembly, then the device is simple to operate, but the clinician lacks control over the firing speed to adapt to varying surgical conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic speed control system where the motor speed varies based on the degree of trigger depression. The controller adjusts the rotational speed of the motor according to the position of the trigger, allowing the firing assembly advancement speed to be dynamically adjusted during operation. This enables clinicians to adapt the firing speed to different surgical conditions while maintaining a relatively simple interface through the existing trigger mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If feedback systems are used to reduce predetermined speed in response to surgical conditions, then the speed adapts to tissue thickness, but the clinician still lacks direct control over the firing speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the trigger position and adjusts the motor speed accordingly. The system provides real-time feedback control by comparing the desired speed (determined by trigger position) with the actual motor speed, and making adjustments to maintain the desired speed profile. This ensures both adaptability to surgical conditions and direct clinician control through the trigger interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the motor by varying the voltage or current supplied to the motor based on trigger position. The controller adjusts electrical parameters to the motor to achieve different rotational speeds, allowing the clinician to control the firing assembly advancement speed by simply varying the degree of trigger depression without complex mechanical linkages.
3Manufacturing precision
If the motor rotates the drive shaft at variable speeds, then the precision of surgical procedures is enhanced, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing full power only when needed (during active firing) and reduced power or idle state when the trigger is not depressed. The motor operates at variable speeds matching the actual surgical needs, avoiding continuous high-speed operation and excessive energy consumption. The system provides precise control only when required by the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor operates in periodic cycles of high speed during firing events and low or zero speed during idle periods. The controller activates the motor at variable speeds only when the trigger is depressed and deactivates or reduces speed when the trigger is released, creating a periodic operation pattern that reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining precision when needed.
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 system provides clinicians with the ability to precisely control the speed of the end effector, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of surgical procedures by allowing for adaptable speed adjustments during different surgical conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The second switch includes a force sensitive resistor that generates the second signal in response to the force applied to the first switch
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a drive shaft, a motor for rotating the drive shaft, and a motor speed control. The motor speed control includes a first switch and a second switch which are in communication with the motor. The first switch is disposed over and in registration with the second switch. The first switch has an activated state such that the first switch sends a first signal to the motor. The motor rotates the drive shaft in response to the first signal. The second switch sends a second signal to the motor that varies the speed that the motor rotates the drive shaft in response to a force applied to the second switch by the first switch.