Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument Selector for Mode and Power Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultrasonic surgical instruments lack a user-friendly and efficient mechanism for selecting and adjusting power levels and activation modes, leading to increased complexity and potential misuse.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a slidable switch and positional sensor to adjust power levels and activation modes, allowing for seamless transitions between cutting and sealing operations without requiring additional buttons or switches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple buttons or switches are added to adjust power levels and activation modes, then the functionality and adaptability of the instrument is improved, but the device complexity and user interface complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower level adjustment and mode selectionVSAvoiduser interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary dial serves multiple functions: selecting power levels, choosing activation modes (cutting, sealing, blending), and potentially adjusting other operational parameters. This single component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate buttons or switches, thereby maintaining high adaptability while reducing interface complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines power level selection and activation mode selection into a single rotary dial interface. By merging these control functions into one unified mechanism, the instrument achieves versatile functionality without increasing the number of separate controls, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and interface complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If a slidable switch and positional sensor are incorporated to adjust power levels, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower level adjustmentVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical multi-position switches with a combination of a simple slidable switch and a positional sensor. The sensor detects the switch position and translates it into corresponding power levels or mode selections, providing intuitive ease of operation while managing complexity through electronic detection rather than complex mechanical linkages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The positional sensor acts as an intermediary between the simple slidable switch and the instrument's control system. It translates the physical position of the switch into electrical signals that determine power levels or activation modes, thereby simplifying the user interface while managing the complexity through the sensing mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If discrete power levels are provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and surgical precision are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system simplicityVSAvoidpower level flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuously variable power levels that can be adjusted in real-time during surgical procedures. This dynamic adjustment capability allows surgeons to precisely control power output based on tissue type, procedural requirements, and real-time feedback, thereby achieving high adaptability and surgical precision while the underlying system manages complexity through electronic control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances operational flexibility and reduces user interface complexity by enabling continuous power level adjustment and mode selection based on handle orientation, improving surgical precision and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

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)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS12582431B2Surgical instrument with selector

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

An ultrasonic instrument includes a body, an actuation assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The actuation assembly includes a mode selection member and an activation member. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The shaft assembly includes an acoustic waveguide. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide. The end effector is configured to be activated in a first activation mode in response to actuation of the activation member when the mode selection member is in a first position. The end effector is configured to be activated in a second activation mode in response to actuation of the activation member when the mode selection member is in a second position.