Surgical Shaft Reload Detection via Spring Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical devices lack a reliable mechanism to ensure proper connection between components before use, leading to potential safety concerns and operational failures due to incomplete or improper connections.
Innovation Solution
The surgical system incorporates a mechanism with a housing assembly, adapter assembly, and loading unit that utilize electrical contacts, capacitors, and spring assemblies to verify proper coupling and alignment of components, providing feedback through electrical signals and haptic resistance to ensure secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a detachable loading unit is used to enable quick reloading, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential improper connection
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the connection state between the loading unit and elongate shaft before allowing operation. Electrical contacts detect alignment and connection status, and the system provides feedback to confirm proper coupling is achieved, ensuring reliability before the surgical instrument is used.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical coupling mechanisms are simplified for ease of operation, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates regarding connection status verification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces purely mechanical coupling verification with an electrical detection system. Electrical contacts within the coupling mechanism detect the connection status and transmit signals to a control circuit, which provides precise feedback about whether the loading unit is properly coupled to the elongate shaft, replacing mechanical verification with electrical measurement.
3Device complexity
If no connection verification mechanism is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but harmful factors increase due to potential operational failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where electrical contacts detect the connection state between the loading unit and elongate shaft, and a control circuit provides feedback signals to indicate whether proper coupling is achieved. This feedback loop ensures that the system only operates when correctly assembled, preventing harmful operational failures without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
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
Ensures that all components are properly connected and aligned before use, preventing operational failures and enhancing safety by providing clear feedback on correct assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The spring assembly is configured to resist rotation of the loading unit relative to the elongate shaft between an unlocked position and a locked position
Implementation Method 2
The first contact is configured to electrically communicate with the second contact based on the loading unit being coupled to the elongate shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical system is disclosed including a housing assembly including an elongate shaft extending therefrom and a loading unit including a lug extending therefrom. The elongate shaft includes a spring assembly. The loading unit is rotatable relative to the elongate shaft between an unlocked position and a locked position. The spring assembly is configured to resist rotation of the lug as the loading unit is rotated toward the locked position.