Surgical Instrument Worm-Drive Lever Mechanism for Precise Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical instruments face challenges in efficiently actuating end effectors with high precision and torque, particularly in minimally invasive surgeries where space and manufacturing complexity are constraints.
Innovation Solution
A force transmission mechanism comprising a worm drive, a lever arm, and an actuation element, where the lever arm includes a follower member that engages the worm drive, allowing rotational movement to be converted into translational movement of the actuation element, thereby actuating the surgical instrument's end effector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional actuation mechanisms are used to move surgical instruments, then basic actuation function is achieved, but torque and precision for end effector actuation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A lever arm is introduced as an intermediary component between the actuation element and the end effector. The lever arm converts rotational movement from the actuation element into translational movement that actuates the end effector, thereby amplifying torque while maintaining manageable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transforms rotational motion in one dimension into translational motion in another dimension through the lever arm. This dimensional transformation enables high torque generation without proportionally increasing the complexity of the actuation mechanism
2Measurement precision
If high precision actuation components are used, then actuation precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is segmented into distinct functional components: an actuation element for precise rotational control, a lever arm for motion transformation, and an end effector for surgical action. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using standard techniques while achieving high overall actuation precision
Solution Approach 2:
The lever arm serves as a simple mechanical intermediary that translates precise rotational input into controlled translational output, maintaining actuation precision without requiring complex manufacturing processes
3Force
If complex force transmission mechanisms are used to achieve high torque, then torque output is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm exploits dimensional transformation by converting rotational motion into translational motion, achieving torque amplification through geometric leverage rather than complex mechanical multiplication, thereby reducing overall mechanism complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex gear trains or cable systems to multiply force, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple lever arm that transforms the type of motion itself, achieving high torque output with minimal structural 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 efficiently translates rotational motion into linear motion, providing high torque and precision for actuating surgical instruments while conserving space and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The force transmission mechanism may include a worm drive and a lever arm. The lever arm may include a follower that engages the worm drive and is driven by the worm drive.
Implementation Method 2
Rotational movement of the worm drive may be converted to translational movement of an actuation element for actuating a surgical instrument.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument may comprise a chassis, a shaft coupled to the chassis at the proximal end of the shaft, an end effector coupled to the shaft at the distal end of the shaft, a force transmission mechanism coupled to the chassis, and an actuation element connected between a lever arm of the force transmission mechanism and the end effector. The force transmission mechanism includes a worm drive, and the lever arm comprising a first end and a follower member at the first end of the lever arm, wherein the follower member is engaged with the worm drive and is configured to be driven by the worm drive. Rotational movement of the worm drive imparts translational movement to the actuation element via the lever arm, and the lever arm slides along a generally linear direction relative to the chassis to impart the translational movement to the actuation element.