Ultrasonic Waveguide Articulation and Rotatable Clamp Arm
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic ultrasonic surgical instruments with ultrasonic blades can only bend at one point, limiting their ability to rotate distal to the articulation bend and thus restricting their functionality in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument design featuring a rotatable shaft with an articulation section, an ultrasonic waveguide that articulates at the section, and a distally located rotatable clamp arm that can rotate independently of the shaft, enhancing the instrument's ability to perform complex surgical maneuvers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the ultrasonic blade is designed to bend at one point to maintain a usable pivot to tip length, then the structural integrity and resonance are maintained, but the blade cannot rotate distal of the articulation bend, limiting surgical access and maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic waveguide is divided into multiple articulation sections (first articulation section and second articulation section) that can rotate independently relative to each other and to the shaft. This segmentation allows the blade to achieve multi-directional rotation distal of the articulation while maintaining structural integrity and resonance characteristics of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation sections are designed with dynamic rotational capabilities, allowing them to move independently through controlled ranges of motion. The first articulation section rotates relative to the shaft, and the second articulation section rotates relative to the first articulation section, creating a dynamically adaptable system that provides six degrees of freedom without compromising structural stability.
2Ease of operation
If a rotatable clamp arm is added distal of the articulation section to enable independent rotation, then six degrees of freedom and improved surgical access are achieved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable clamp arm is integrated with the second articulation section, combining the clamping function and the rotational articulation function into a single integrated component. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the ability to provide six degrees of freedom and improved surgical maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second articulation section serves multiple functions: it provides rotational movement relative to the first articulation section, supports the rotatable clamp arm, and enables the ultrasonic blade to achieve six degrees of freedom. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby managing device complexity while enhancing ease of operation.
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 design allows for six degrees of freedom, enabling the ultrasonic blade to rotate distally of the articulation section, thereby improving access and maneuverability during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic waveguide disposed within the shaft, wherein the ultrasonic waveguide is configured to articulate at the articulation section
Data Source
AI summary
DISCLOSED IS A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT THAT INCLUDES A ROTATABLE SHAFT HAVING AN ARTICULATION SECTION AND AN ULTRASONIC WAVEGUIDE DISPOSED WITHIN THE SHAFT. THE ULTRASONIC WAVEGUIDE IS CONFIGURED TO ARTICULATE AT THE ARTICULATION SECTION. THE ULTRASONIC WAVEGUIDE IS DISPOSED WITHIN THE SHAFT. A ROTATABLE CLAMP ARM IS LOCATED DISTAL OF THE ARTICULATION SECTION OF THE ROTATABLE SHAFT. THE ROTATABLE CLAMP ARM IS CONFIGURED TO ROTATE INDEPENDENTLY OF THE ROTATABLE SHAFT DISTAL OF THE ARTICULATION SECTION.