Surgical Instrument Shaft Deflection Detection With Junction Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical instruments, such as surgical staplers, risk causing damage to surrounding anatomy during insertion or removal due to excessive forceful maneuvering within the patient's body, which may not be detected by inexperienced users or robotic systems.
Innovation Solution
A shaft deflection detection system equipped with sensors and springs at mechanical junctions to detect and provide feedback on the movement of the shaft relative to the actuator or end effector, ensuring controlled handling and minimizing forceful contact with surrounding tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If surgical instruments are maneuvered forcefully inside the patient's body to reach desired positions, then positioning capability is improved, but risk of tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism using sensors (e.g., force sensors, strain gauges, pressure sensors) that continuously monitor forces applied to surrounding tissues during instrument manipulation. This feedback is provided to the operator through displays or haptic feedback, enabling real-time adjustment of manipulation forces to prevent tissue damage while maintaining positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical manipulation with a sensor-based detection system that uses electronic feedback loops. Instead of relying solely on operator tactile sense, the system uses electronic sensors to detect forces and provides amplified feedback, allowing precise control of mechanical forces applied to tissues
2Reliability
If shaft deflection detection system is added to surgical instrument, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the shaft assembly, combining structural support, articulation mechanisms, and sensor integration into a single multi-functional component. The shaft serves both as a mechanical structure for positioning and as a platform for mounting detection sensors, reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the detection system with existing instrument components by integrating sensors directly into the shaft structure. The force sensors, strain gauges, or pressure sensors are incorporated into the shaft assembly rather than being separate add-on components, simplifying the overall system architecture
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
Enhances user perception of applied forces, reducing the risk of tissue damage by providing real-time feedback and ensuring safe maneuvering of surgical instruments during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A shaft deflection detection system equipped with sensors and springs at mechanical junctions to detect and provide feedback on the movement of the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a shaft deflection detection system including one or more sensors positioned at a first mechanical junction between a shaft and an actuator coupled with the shaft and/or a second mechanical junction between the shaft and an end effector coupled with the shaft. The shaft is movable relative to the actuator at the first mechanical junction and/or relative to the end effector at the second mechanical junction. The one or more sensors are configured to generate signals indicative of movement of the shaft relative to the actuator and/or the end effector. The movement of the shaft is caused by an external force experienced by the shaft as the shaft of the surgical instrument is maneuvered inside a body of a patient.