Surgical Instrument Spring Compression Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical instruments, such as electrosurgical forceps, lack precise control over clamping pressure and position, which can lead to inconsistent tissue sealing and treatment outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument equipped with a sensor module that senses the compression of a spring within the actuation assembly, allowing for real-time determination of clamping pressure and position, enabling precise control of jaw members and deployable components like knife blades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If no sensor module is used to monitor spring compression, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of clamping pressure and position is insufficient leading to inconsistent tissue sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the spring as an intermediary mechanical element that translates jaw closure force into measurable compression displacement. By placing a sensor module on the spring rather than directly on the jaw members, the system indirectly measures clamping pressure through spring compression, reducing the need for complex direct measurement systems while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pressure sensing mechanisms with an electrical or electronic sensor module that measures spring compression. This substitution of mechanical measurement systems with electronic sensors simplifies the overall device while improving measurement precision and consistency for tissue sealing applications.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are placed on the end effector to monitor position and force, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring serves multiple functions: it provides force regulation during jaw closure, acts as a mechanical element to be sensed, and serves as a mounting structure for the sensor module. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, as the spring is already present in the force regulation mechanism and can simultaneously serve as the measurement target for the sensor module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the force regulation function and the measurement function into a single integrated system. The spring that regulates force during jaw closure is the same element whose compression is measured by the sensor module, combining two functions into one component system and reducing overall device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual control of jaw closure is used without feedback, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the manufacturing precision of tissue sealing is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module provides real-time feedback on spring compression, which correlates to jaw closure force and tissue clamping pressure. This feedback enables the system to monitor and maintain consistent clamping pressure within the optimal range for tissue sealing, improving sealing consistency while allowing the surgeon to maintain manual control of the jaw closure action.
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 consistent and controlled application of clamping pressure within a specific range (3 kg/cm2 to 16 kg/cm2) for effective tissue sealing and treatment, reducing the need for additional sensors on the end effector and improving surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
The actuation assembly includes a spring, a distal end operably coupled to the end effector or a component associated therewith, and a proximal end operably coupled to the actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a housing, a shaft extending distally from the housing, an end effector disposed at a distal end of the shaft, an actuator operably coupled to the housing, an actuation assembly, and a sensor module. The actuation assembly extends through the housing and the shaft and includes a distal end operably coupled to the end effector or a component associated therewith, a proximal end operably coupled to the actuator, and a spring. Actuation of the actuator manipulates the end effector or deploys the component relative thereto. The sensor module is disposed within the housing and configured to sense a property of the spring indicative of an amount the spring has been compressed. The sensor module is further configured, based upon the sensed property, to determine a condition of the end effector or the relative position of the component.