Ultrasonic Transducer Slip Lock Torque Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic surgical instruments face challenges in ensuring proper coupling of the acoustic waveguide with the transducer assembly, leading to potential overtightening or undertightening, which can affect the precision and safety of surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a detent cam slip lock mechanism within the handle assembly that inhibits rotation of the transducer assembly and limits torque to a predetermined level, preventing overtightening and ensuring secure coupling of the waveguide with the transducer assembly, while also providing a torque indicator for the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual coupling of the acoustic waveguide with the transducer assembly is performed without a torque limiting mechanism, then the coupling can be secured, but overtightening may occur causing damage or deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism includes an integral slip lock that automatically limits torque to a predetermined level during the coupling process. The slip lock is designed to slip or disengage when the torque exceeds the predetermined threshold, thereby preventing overtightening damage without requiring external intervention or complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The slip lock mechanism is pre-configured with a predetermined torque threshold that acts as a protective barrier before overtightening can occur. This preventive mechanism ensures that the maximum torque applied during coupling will not exceed the safe limit, protecting the waveguide-transducer interface from damage.
2Ease of operation
If the coupling mechanism is simplified for ease of use, then the operation becomes easier, but precision in achieving proper torque coupling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The slip lock mechanism automatically performs the torque limiting function without requiring the operator to precisely control the applied torque. The operator simply needs to apply force to couple the waveguide, and the slip lock will inherently limit the torque to the predetermined level, combining ease of operation with precise torque control.
Solution Approach 2:
The slip lock acts as an intermediary element between the operator's manual coupling action and the final torque applied to the waveguide-transducer interface. It mediates the torque transmission, ensuring that the precise predetermined torque level is achieved regardless of the operator's applied force magnitude.
3Manufacturing precision
If a separate torque wrench is used to couple the waveguide with the transducer assembly, then torque control can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slip lock mechanism is integrated into the existing coupling structure between the waveguide and transducer assembly, merging the torque limiting function with the coupling mechanism itself. This eliminates the need for a separate torque wrench while maintaining precise torque control, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The slip lock serves multiple functions: it acts as both a mechanical coupling element and a torque limiting device. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components (coupling mechanism plus torque control device), simplifying the overall system while maintaining precision torque 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 ensures secure and precise coupling of the waveguide with the transducer assembly, preventing damage and ensuring consistent ultrasonic vibrations for effective tissue cutting and coagulation, while providing a user-friendly torque indication.
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
The integration of a detent cam slip lock mechanism within the handle assembly that inhibits rotation of the transducer assembly and limits torque to a predetermined level
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes an instrument body, an ultrasonic transducer assembly, and a slip lock having an arrester. The transducer assembly is rotatably mounted along a longitudinal axis within the body such that the transducer assembly is configured to selectively rotate. The arrester is configured to move relative to the ultrasonic transducer assembly between an engaged position and a disengaged position and has a catch portion and a deflectable portion. The catch portion is configured to seize the transducer assembly and selectively inhibit rotation for rotatably coupling with the acoustic waveguide up to a predetermined torque. The deflectable portion is configured to deflect relative to the transducer assembly upon receiving a torque greater than the predetermined torque. Accordingly, the catch portion releases the transducer assembly to slip relative to the catch portion for limiting coupling of the transducer assembly with the acoustic waveguide to the predetermined torque.