Suturing Tool Resilient Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyhole surgery tools require a large number of tendons to operate grasping and suturing functions, which limits their functionality due to space constraints in narrow probe channels, and current suturing tools have limited jaw movement and require complex tendon systems for needle manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A suturing tool with a symmetric needle and jaws featuring a resilient control mechanism that reduces the number of tendons needed by allowing the locking element to switch between open and closed positions without continuous tendon tension, and a biasing element that allows one tendon to control both jaw positions, enabling more versatile motion and secure needle handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of tendons are used to operate grasping and suturing functions, then the functionality and control precision are improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tendon functions into a single tendon system. The single tendon controls both jaw opening/closing and needle holder locking/unlocking through a integrated pulley system, reducing the number of tendons from multiple to one while maintaining full functionality for grasping and suturing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The single tendon serves multiple functions: it controls jaw movement and needle holder operation through different pulley arrangements. This multi-functional tendon design allows one tendon to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate tendons, reducing overall system complexity
2Ease of operation
If multiple tendons are provided for all possible functions, then the control precision is improved, but the space consumption in narrow probe channels increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions are merged into a single tendon pathway that fits within the narrow probe channel. The pulley system allows the single tendon to control both jaw and needle holder operations without requiring multiple separate tendon bundles, thus reducing space consumption while maintaining control precision
3Device complexity
If a resilient control mechanism is used to reduce the number of tendons, then the device complexity is reduced, but the force control precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient control mechanism uses a spring-loaded locking element that automatically locks and unlocks the needle holder without requiring continuous tendon tension. The spring provides the necessary force control precision through its inherent mechanical properties, eliminating the need for additional tendons while maintaining reliable force control
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 reduces the number of tendons required, increases the closing force of the jaws, and enhances the range of motion for suturing tools, allowing for more complex procedures while maintaining secure needle control within the limited space of endoscope or laparoscope probes.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient control mechanism configured to switch the locking element between the closed lock position and the open lock position
Implementation Method 2
a biasing element that allows one tendon to control both jaw positions
Data Source
AI summary
A suturing tool for an endoscope or a laparoscope, the tool comprising: a symmetric suturing needle comprising a point at each end of the needle; and a pair of jaws for suturing a target object between the jaws, each jaw comprising a needle holder for holding the suturing needle, the pair of jaws being configured to move between an open jaw position and a closed jaw position, wherein each needle holder comprises a moveable locking element configured to move between a closed lock position in which the suturing needle is held by the needle holder and an open lock position at which the suturing needle is released by the needle holder, and each needle holder further comprises a resilient control mechanism configured to switch the locking element between the closed lock position and the open lock position.