Suturing Instrument Clutch Lock for Articulation Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical suturing instruments lack an efficient mechanism for articulating and locking the needle applier cartridge relative to the shaft, which can lead to inadvertent movement during procedures, compromising precision and safety.
Innovation Solution
A surgical suturing instrument with a clutch lock mechanism that selectively locks and unlocks the articulation joint, utilizing a rotary knob to control the joint drive assembly and prevent unintended movement, ensuring precise articulation and secure locking in desired positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the needle applier cartridge is made articulatable relative to the shaft, then the adaptability for accessing different tissue locations is improved, but the risk of inadvertent movement and loss of positioning precision increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic articulatable connection, allowing the needle applier cartridge to be positioned at different angles relative to the shaft while maintaining secure locking at each position. The articulation joint with clutch lock mechanism enables controlled movement and stable positioning, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch lock mechanism acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the joint drive assembly, providing a reliable locking interface that prevents inadvertent movement while allowing intentional articulation. This intermediary component ensures that once the desired angular orientation is achieved, the position is maintained securely.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent inadvertent movement, then the positioning stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch lock mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the rotation of the actuator. As the actuator rotates to position the needle applier cartridge, the clutch lock mechanism automatically engages to lock the position, eliminating the need for separate locking actions or additional control systems. This self-service approach maintains reliability while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is merged with the articulation control function in a single integrated mechanism. The clutch lock mechanism combines the actuator's rotational movement with the locking action, so that one component performs both positioning and securing functions, reducing overall device complexity compared to having separate articulation and locking systems.
3Measurement precision
If the clutch lock mechanism is engaged to lock the articulation joint, then the positioning precision is improved, but the ease of operation for repositioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch lock mechanism provides dynamic control, allowing the operator to easily transition between locked and unlocked states by simply rotating the actuator. The mechanism is designed to be responsive to minimal rotational input, making it easy to engage and disengage the lock while maintaining precise angular positioning when locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is designed to perform the preliminary action of rotating to both position the needle applier cartridge and simultaneously engage the clutch lock mechanism. This preliminary action ensures that the locking occurs naturally during the positioning process, eliminating the need for separate locking steps and maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument for treating a patient includes a shaft assembly and a body assembly. The shaft assembly includes an articulation joint that is operable to selectively articulate a distal end portion relative to a proximal end portion. The body assembly includes a joint drive assembly, an actuator, and a clutch lock mechanism. The clutch lock mechanism is operatively connected between the actuator and the joint drive assembly. The actuator is configured to actuate the clutch lock mechanism from a locked state to an unlocked state. In the locked state, the clutch lock mechanism is configured to seize the joint drive assembly and inhibit movement of the articulation joint. In the unlocked state, the clutch lock mechanism is configured to transmit movement of the actuator to the joint drive assembly for moving the distal end portion of the shaft assembly.