Ultrasonic Clamp Arm Clocking for Precise Cutting and Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical instruments lack a mechanism for efficiently controlling the rotation and articulation of the clamp arm relative to the ultrasonic blade, which is crucial for precise tissue cutting and sealing during robotic surgeries.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a clamp arm clocking assembly that includes a rotating body pivotally coupled with the clamp arm, a translating drive, and a rotation driver assembly to convert translational motion into rotational motion, allowing for precise control of the clamp arm's position and articulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a clamp arm clocking assembly with rotation driver is introduced, then the precision of clamp arm rotation and articulation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of clamp arm position controlVSAvoidcomplexity of clamp arm control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical clocking mechanisms with a motorized rotation driver assembly that uses electrical control to achieve precise clamp arm positioning. The rotation driver includes a motor, drive shaft, and control circuitry that can accurately position the clamp arm at predetermined angular intervals without requiring complex mechanical linkages or cam mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements adjustable rotation intervals for the clamp arm, allowing the system to dynamically change the angular positioning parameters. The rotation driver can be programmed to rotate the clamp arm through variable angles and pause at different positions, providing flexibility in controlling the articulation precision based on surgical requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple clocking positions are implemented, then the versatility of tissue cutting angles is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariety of tissue cutting anglesVSAvoiddifficulty of controlling clamp arm positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation driver assembly incorporates automatic positioning capability that eliminates the need for manual alignment by the surgeon. The system autonomously rotates the clamp arm to predetermined clocking positions (e.g., 12, 3, 6, 9 o'clock positions) and maintains these positions without requiring surgeon intervention, thereby providing multiple cutting angles while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a control system with feedback mechanisms that monitor the clamp arm position and automatically adjust it to the desired clocking position. Sensors detect the angular position of the clamp arm and provide feedback to the control circuit, which then actuates the motor to achieve precise positioning, ensuring accurate reproduction of predetermined clocking positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables precise and controlled rotation and articulation of the clamp arm, enhancing the precision of tissue cutting and sealing operations in robotic surgeries.

Implementation Method 1

a blade element that vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to cut and/or seal tissue (e.g., by denaturing proteins in tissue cells)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

These instruments include one or more piezoelectric elements that convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250255636A1Ultrasonic surgical instrument with a clamp arm clocking assembly

Publication Date: 2025.08.14 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

A surgical instrument includes an end effector having a clamp arm pivotable relative to an ultrasonic blade, an articulation section configured to deflect the end effector, an acoustic waveguide having a distal portion extending along an axis, a clamp arm closure assembly comprising a body configured to actuate in order to drive the pivoting of the clamp arm, and a clamp arm clocking assembly. The clamp arm clocking assembly is capable of driving rotation of the clamp arm about the axis relative to the ultrasonic blade between a first clocked position and a second clocked position. The clamp arm clocking assembly includes a rotating body pivotally coupled with the clamp arm, a translating drive extending through the articulation section, and a rotation driver assembly. The rotation driver is in communication with the translating driver to convert translational motion of the translating driver into rotational motion of the rotating body.