Ultrasonic Waveguide Tubular Segment Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic surgical instruments face challenges in efficiently cutting and sealing tissue with existing waveguide designs, which are often costly and time-consuming to manufacture due to material wastage and complex construction processes.
Innovation Solution
The design of an alternative ultrasonic waveguide comprising a proximal, middle, and distal portion, where the middle portion is a hollow tubular member with threaded ends, allowing for efficient assembly and reducing material loss, while maintaining effective transmission of ultrasonic vibrations for cutting and coagulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional solid waveguide construction is used, then ultrasonic energy transmission is effective, but manufacturing cost increases and material waste occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is divided into multiple modular sections (proximal section, middle section, distal section) that can be manufactured separately and assembled. The middle section is configured as a hollow tubular member with external threading, allowing it to be constructed more efficiently with less material waste while maintaining acoustic transmission functionality when coupled with the solid core shaft.
2Loss of substance
If hollow tubular waveguide design is used, then material waste is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is segmented into modular sections that can be manufactured using standard machining processes and assembled through threading. The middle hollow tubular section with external threading is designed to couple with the proximal and distal solid sections, creating a hybrid construction that reduces material waste while maintaining manufacturability through conventional assembly techniques.
3Productivity
If modular assembly is implemented, then manufacturing time is reduced, but assembly precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is divided into discrete modular sections with standardized threading interfaces. The middle hollow tubular section features external threading that engages with internally threaded features on the proximal and distal sections, providing mechanical guidance and alignment during assembly that reduces the precision requirements compared to traditional fitting methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary that facilitates precise alignment and secure joining of the modular waveguide sections. The threading provides both mechanical strength and positional accuracy, enabling rapid assembly while maintaining the acoustic integrity of the waveguide system.
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 configuration enhances the manufacturing efficiency and reduces material waste while maintaining the effectiveness of ultrasonic energy transmission for precise tissue cutting and coagulation, offering a cost-effective and efficient surgical instrument solution.
Implementation Method 1
one or more piezoelectric elements that convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations
Implementation Method 2
The middle portion is a hollow tubular member with a lumen extending between opposite ends. The proximal, middle, and distal portions are coupled together to form the acoustic waveguide.
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic instrument includes a body and a shaft assembly extending distally from the body. The shaft assembly includes an acoustic waveguide. The instrument further includes an end effector including an ultrasonic blade. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide. The ultrasonic blade is defined by a solid core shaft of a material or combination of materials. At least a portion of the acoustic waveguide comprises a hollow tubular member coupled with the solid core shaft.