Surgical Stapler Displacement Sensing via Mechanical Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronically detecting the pose and anvil position of end effectors in endoscopic surgical instruments is challenging due to difficulties in placing and reading sensors near the components to be measured, which are prone to damage and interference, and existing methods suffer from accuracy issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of sensors located within the shaft of the surgical instrument, connected to the end effector components via mechanical connectors, allows for direct measurement of the end effector's pose and anvil position, avoiding exposure to external hazards and providing accurate, digital signals through electromagnetic encoders or linear encoders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are placed near the end effector components to directly measure pose and anvil position, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to exposure to external hazards and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical connector as an intermediary element that transmits displacement from the end effector component to the sensor. The sensor is placed in the shaft rather than near the end effector, and the mechanical connector (extending through the shaft) mediates the transmission of movement information, allowing accurate measurement while protecting the sensor from harsh surgical environment hazards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct electronic sensing near the end effector with a mechanical transmission system. Instead of placing electronic sensors in the harsh environment near the end effector, the system uses a mechanical connector to transmit physical displacement to a sensor located in the safer shaft region, substituting direct electronic measurement with mechanical signal transmission
2Reliability
If sensors are placed in the shaft away from the end effector, then reliability is improved by avoiding external hazards, but measurement precision deteriorates due to indirect measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connector serves as a precise intermediary that maintains the direct relationship between end effector displacement and sensor measurement. By extending through the shaft from the end effector to the sensor, it ensures that the sensor in the safe shaft location receives accurate real-time displacement information without loss of measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the sensing function into two parts: the mechanical connector that handles displacement transmission through the shaft, and the sensor that performs the actual measurement in the safe zone. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve both reliability and precision
3Ease of operation
If mechanical connectors extend through the shaft to connect sensors with end effector components, then device complexity increases, but ease of operation improves through direct mechanical coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connector performs multiple functions: it mechanically couples the end effector component to the sensor, transmits displacement information, and provides a protected pathway through the shaft. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate signal routing components, simplifying the overall system despite the added mechanical element
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 method enables precise and reliable detection of the end effector's pose and anvil position, ensuring accurate positioning and stability without the need for complex signal routing, even in harsh surgical environments.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnetic encoders or linear encoders
Implementation Method 2
electromagnetic encoders or linear encoders
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a direct mechanical connection to a moveable stapler component within a surgical stapler. The system includes a sensor that detects a position of a mechanical connector that is attached to the moveable stapler component, where the direct measurement of the moveable stapler component is used to determine the position, pose, displacement, stability, or orientation of the moveable stapler component and/or surgical stapler.