Thumb Wheel End Effector Actuation for Robotic Instrument Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic surgical instruments require manual activation for cleaning and sterilization, and existing designs do not efficiently integrate with robotic surgical systems for seamless operation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A robotic surgical instrument with a housing and shaft featuring a spring compression assembly and a thumb wheel mechanism that allows manual actuation of the end effector assembly, enabling engagement with a robotic surgical system for precise control and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the robotic surgical instrument is designed with automated actuation only, then the integration with robotic surgical systems is improved, but the ease of manual operation for cleaning and sterilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be actuated automatically by the robotic surgical system during surgery, and manually by operating staff for cleaning and sterilization. The thumb wheel mechanism provides a universal interface that works for both automated and manual operations, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The thumb wheel acts as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the automated robotic actuation system and manual operation requirements. It provides a mechanical interface that can receive input from either the robotic system or human operators, facilitating seamless transition between automated and manual modes without requiring separate actuation systems.
2Ease of operation
If the robotic surgical instrument is designed with manual actuation mechanisms, then the ease of operation for cleaning and sterilization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly serves dual purposes as both an automated actuator for robotic control and a manual actuation mechanism for cleaning and sterilization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining ease of manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the automated and manual actuation systems into a single integrated actuator assembly. The thumb wheel mechanism is combined with the drive gear and compression spring assembly, creating a unified structure that handles both automated robotic actuation and manual operation, thus minimizing additional complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the thumb wheel is always engaged with the drive gear, then the ease of manual actuation is improved, but the reliability of automated operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thumb wheel is designed to be dynamically positionable between engaged and disengaged states relative to the drive gear. A biasing mechanism (such as a spring) automatically pushes the thumb wheel into the disengaged position during normal operation, ensuring reliable automated operation. When manual actuation is needed, the operator can easily move the thumb wheel into the engaged position, providing accessibility when required.
4Reliability
If the thumb wheel is biased in the disengaged position, then the reliability of automated operation is improved, but the ease of manual actuation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thumb wheel's dynamic positioning capability allows it to be easily moved from the biased disengaged position to the engaged position for manual actuation. The mechanical design ensures that while the thumb wheel is automatically positioned for reliable automated operation, it requires minimal effort to engage when manual actuation is needed, balancing reliability with ease of operation.
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
Facilitates efficient manual actuation and integration with robotic systems, enhancing the operational efficiency and maintenance of surgical instruments while ensuring cleanliness and sterility.
Implementation Method 1
A spring compression assembly is supported within the housing, the spring compression assembly including: a proximal hub configured to secure a proximal end of the drive rod disposed therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic surgical instrument includes a housing having a shaft extending therefrom. A spring compression assembly is supported within the housing and includes: a proximal hub configured to secure a drive rod disposed therethrough, the proximal hub including teeth; a distal hub spaced from the proximal hub and including teeth; and a compression spring mounted between the proximal and distal hubs. A drive gear includes a proximal portion extending therefrom having threads disposed thereabout configured to engage the teeth of the proximal and distal hubs such that rotation thereof translates the hubs relative to one another and actuates the end effector assembly. A thumb wheel is included that has a portion exposed outside the housing for external manipulation thereof. The thumb wheel is selectively positionable between a disengaged position spaced relative to the drive gear and an engaged position to matingly engage the drive gear.