Adjustable Spacer Pin for Surgical Tool Jaw Gap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic surgical systems face challenges in consistently and accurately setting the jaw gap between opposing jaws of end effectors, which is critical for proper tissue sealing, as manufacturing tolerances can lead to inefficiencies and scrapage of instruments if not within predetermined specifications.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a spacer pin and shim system where a spacer pin is received within an aperture of one jaw and secured as the opposing jaw is pivoted to a closed position, ensuring the jaw gap is accurately set and maintained, with optional securement methods like welding or interference fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional manufacturing assembly methods are used for end effector jaws, then manufacturing flexibility is maintained, but jaw gap precision falls outside predetermined tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-setting the jaw gap using a spacer element before final assembly of the end effector. The spacer is positioned between the first and second jaws during assembly, establishing the precise gap dimension before the jaws are permanently fixed together. This allows the jaw gap to be predetermined and controlled without requiring ultra-precise machining of the jaw components themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a spacer element as an intermediary component to achieve precise jaw gap control. This spacer acts as a mediator between the two jaws, physically maintaining the required gap distance. The spacer can be a separate component inserted during assembly or an integrated feature of one of the jaw components, but in either case it serves as the intermediate element that defines and controls the gap dimension.
2Adaptability or versatility
If jaw gap is set during manufacture without adjustment mechanisms, then assembly is simplified, but jaw gap cannot be adjusted for tolerance variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by providing an adjustable jaw gap mechanism that allows the gap dimension to be modified after initial assembly. The adjustment can be achieved through movable spacer elements, adjustable jaw positions, or other dynamic features that enable the jaw gap to be tuned to account for manufacturing tolerances in the individual jaw components. This transforms a static assembly into one with adjustable parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by allowing the jaw gap dimension to be varied within a range of values. Instead of fixing the gap at a single predetermined dimension, the design enables adjustment of the gap parameter to compensate for variations in jaw component dimensions. This may involve adjustable spacers, movable jaw elements, or other mechanisms that permit changing the gap parameter during assembly or maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector for a surgical tool includes a first jaw that defines an aperture, a second jaw rotatably coupled to the first jaw, and a spacer pin received within the aperture and protruding from an upper surface of the first jaw. The spacer pin is adjustable within the aperture to define a jaw gap between the first and second jaws when the second jaw is moved to a closed position and engages the spacer pin, and the spacer pin is secured within the aperture to set the jaw gap.