Surgical Rotation Assembly Stop Plate Protects Wire Harness
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Solution Overview
Problem
In surgical devices, the existing rotation assemblies often damage the wire harness when the adapter assembly is rotated relative to the actuator assembly, leading to a loss of communication between the actuator and reload.
Innovation Solution
A rotation assembly with a stop assembly that includes a C-shaped stop plate and a stop pin, positioned to limit the degree of rotation of the adapter assembly, preventing engagement with the wire harness and minimizing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the adapter assembly is rotated in relation to the actuator assembly using a stop member, then the degree of rotation is limited to prevent uncoupling of the wire harness, but the stop member engages the flex cable causing damage to the wire harness
Solution Approach 1:
A service loop is introduced as an intermediary element between the stop member and the wire harness. The service loop is a flexible cable loop that absorbs the engagement force from the stop member, preventing direct contact between the stop member and the wire harness. This mediator allows the stop member to limit rotation while protecting the wire harness from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The service loop is positioned and configured beforehand to provide cushioning protection. The loop is formed with sufficient slack and flexibility to absorb the engagement force when the stop member limits rotation, preventing this force from being transmitted to the wire harness. This prior cushioning arrangement ensures protection is in place before any potential damage can occur.
2Ease of operation
If the stop member limits rotation by engaging the adapter assembly, then the adapter assembly rotation is controlled, but the wire harness flex cable is damaged due to engagement with the stop member
Solution Approach 1:
The service loop acts as a mediator that decouples the rotation control function from the wire harness. The stop member engages the service loop instead of the wire harness directly, allowing rotation control to be maintained while protecting the communication pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the stop member for rotation control, the service loop for force absorption, and the wire harness for communication. This segmentation isolates the rotation control mechanism from the communication pathway, allowing each component to perform its function without interfering with or damaging other components.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device includes an actuator assembly including a handle, an adapter assembly extending distally from the adapter assembly, and a tool assembly supported on a distal portion of the adapter assembly. The adapter assembly includes a rotation assembly that rotatably supports the adapter assembly in relation to the actuator assembly and a wire harness that allows the actuator assembly to communicate with the tool assembly. The rotation assembly includes a stop assembly for limiting a degree of rotation of the adapter assembly in relation to the actuator assembly to prevent separation of the wire harness from communication with the actuator assembly and/or the tool assembly. The stop assembly includes a stop plate and a stop pin that are spaced from the wire harness to minimize the likelihood of damage to the wire harness during rotation of the adapter assembly in relation to the actuator assembly.