Ultrasonic Transducer Slip Joint for Cable Wind Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic surgical instruments face issues with cable wind and reactionary torque during rotation of the end effector, leading to decreased performance and potential damage due to rigid connections between the transducer assembly and power cord.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable slip joint is introduced between the transducer assembly and power cord, allowing for relative rotation while maintaining electrical continuity, reducing cable wind and torque-related issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid connection is used between the transducer assembly and power cord, then electrical continuity is maintained, but cable wind and reactionary torque occur during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the rigid static connection into a dynamic slip joint that allows relative motion between the transducer assembly and power cord. The slip joint includes a movable contact that can slide along the power cord while maintaining electrical connection, enabling the transducer assembly to rotate freely without causing cable wind or generating reactionary torque.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a slip joint as an intermediary component between the transducer assembly and power cord. This intermediary element serves as a mediator that maintains electrical continuity while permitting rotational movement, thereby eliminating the harmful effects of direct rigid connection during rotation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the transducer assembly is rotationally fixed to the instrument body, then structural stability is maintained, but rotation of the end effector causes cable wind
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the connection between the transducer assembly and instrument body dynamic by introducing a slip joint that allows rotational movement. The movable contact in the slip joint can slide along the power cord when the transducer assembly rotates, preventing cable wind while maintaining structural stability during non-rotational operations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a rotatable slip joint is introduced to allow rotation, then cable wind is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible contact mechanism within the slip joint that can slide along the power cord. This flexible contact design allows rotational movement while maintaining electrical connection, preventing cable wind without requiring complex mechanical structures such as gears or bearings.
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
The slip joint enables smooth rotation of the transducer assembly relative to the power cord, preventing cable wind and preserving structural integrity, thereby enhancing the instrument's performance and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
These instruments include piezoelectric elements that convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations, which are communicated along an acoustic waveguide to the blade element.
Implementation Method 2
an end effector having a blade element that vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to cut and/or seal tissue (e.g., by denaturing proteins in tissue cells)
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument for use during a surgical procedure includes an instrument body, an ultrasonic transducer assembly extending along a longitudinal axis, a power cord, and a transducer slip joint. The ultrasonic transducer assembly is rotatably mounted within the instrument body about the longitudinal axis and defines a first outer profile. The power cord projects from the instrument body to provide electrical power to the ultrasonic transducer assembly for operating an acoustic waveguide. The transducer slip joint is positioned between the power cord and the ultrasonic transducer assembly and electrically and mechanically connects the power cord to the ultrasonic transducer assembly. The ultrasonic transducer assembly selectively rotates relative to the power cord for inhibiting the power cord from winding upon rotation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly. The transducer slip joint also defines a second outer profile that fits within the first outer profile of the ultrasonic transducer assembly.