Surgical Wire Routing Clock Spring for Rotating Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical devices with reusable handle assemblies face challenges in matching the output properties of their drive systems to the operational properties of various disposable or single-use end effectors, necessitating an identification system that communicates effectively without hindering the end effector's functionality.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical surgical system featuring a shaft assembly with a rotatable linkage and a wire coil that radially expands or contracts to interconnect the end effector with the surgical instrument, allowing for communication of information between the end effector and the surgical instrument, enabling the drive system to adjust its output properties based on the identified end effector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a reusable handle assembly is used with multiple disposable end effectors, then versatility is improved, but matching the drive system output properties to each end effector's operational properties becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple different disposable end effectors. The drive system includes a controller that can identify and adapt to different end effector types, allowing one handle assembly to perform multiple surgical functions by simply changing the attached end effector cartridge.
2Reliability
If an identification system is added to match drive system output properties with end effector operational properties, then compatibility is improved, but the identification system may impede the operational properties and parameters of the end effector
Solution Approach 1:
The identification of end effector type is performed automatically and preliminarily when the end effector is attached to the handle assembly, before the surgical procedure begins. The controller pre-configures the drive system parameters to match the identified end effector, so no additional identification actions are needed during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector itself contains identification features (such as RFID tags, barcodes, or mechanical coding) that automatically communicate its type and operational parameters to the handle assembly's controller. The system self-configures without requiring external intervention or complex manual matching procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wire routing system with clock spring is used to accommodate rotation of the distal housing, then rotational freedom is improved, but the wire routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wire routing system employs a clock spring mechanism where the wire is wound in a spiral pattern around a central axis within the rotating distal housing. This nested spiral configuration allows the wire to accommodate multiple rotations while maintaining a compact structure, enabling the distal housing to rotate freely relative to the proximal housing without tangling or excessive complexity.
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 solution ensures seamless operation of the surgical system by allowing the drive system to adapt to different end effectors, ensuring proper functioning and efficiency across various surgical procedures without compromising the end effector's performance.
Implementation Method 1
The coil is configured to at least one of radially expand and contract upon rotation of the distal housing relative to the proximal housing
Data Source
AI summary
An electromechanical surgical system is disclosed including a hand-held surgical instrument, an end effector configured to perform at least one function, and a shaft assembly arranged for selectively interconnecting the end effector and the surgical instrument. The shaft assembly includes a linkage having a proximal housing and a distal housing at least partially received within the proximal housing. The distal housing is rotatable relative to the proximal housing and configured to selectively interconnect the end effector to the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly further includes a wire extending through the linkage having a central portion disposed within an annular groove defined between the proximal and distal housings. The central portion of the wire is annularly wound within the annular groove to define a coil. The coil is configured to at least one of radially expand and contract upon rotation of the distal housing relative to the proximal housing.