Variable Speed Clamping Member Control for Surgical Staplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling instruments lack precise control over the speed of the clamping member during tissue stapling and cutting, which can lead to improper staple formation and increased strain on the motor due to varying tissue thickness and types.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a control circuit that detects the position of the clamping member and adjusts its speed based on the location, using a variable rate that slows down nearer to the second position, ensuring appropriate staple deployment and tissue cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the clamping member moves at a constant high speed, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to improper staple formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a constant speed mechanism to a variable speed control system. The control circuit dynamically adjusts the motor speed based on the clamping member's position, using different rates for different zones: a first rate for the first zone and a second rate for the second zone, where the second rate is slower than the first rate. This dynamic speed adjustment ensures precise staple formation during the critical deployment phase while maintaining overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the speed parameter of the motor throughout the clamping member's travel. The control circuit changes the motor's operating parameters based on detected position, slowing down the clamping member speed in the second zone where staple deployment occurs. This parameter change allows the system to maintain high productivity during transit while ensuring precise staple formation when needed.
2Productivity
If the clamping member moves at a constant high speed, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased motor strain
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts motor speed based on operational phase. During the first zone where high speed is acceptable, the motor operates at high power. During the second zone where staple deployment occurs, the control circuit reduces motor speed, thereby reducing strain on the motor and improving reliability while maintaining productivity during the high-speed phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit changes the motor's speed parameter throughout the operation. By reducing the speed parameter during the critical staple deployment phase in the second zone, the system reduces motor strain and improves reliability. The parameter change allows the motor to operate within safe limits during high-stress operations while maintaining high productivity during lower-stress transit phases.
3Manufacturing precision
If the clamping member moves at a variable rate slowing down nearer to the second position, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clamping member's travel path into distinct zones: a first zone where high speed is maintained to minimize time loss, and a second zone where speed is reduced for precise staple formation. The control circuit detects position and applies different speed profiles to each zone. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for speed during transit and for precision during the critical deployment phase, minimizing overall time loss while ensuring quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by reducing speed only during the specific portion of the stroke where staple deployment occurs (the second zone), rather than slowing down for the entire行程. This partial speed reduction minimizes the time penalty while still achieving the necessary precision for proper staple formation during the critical phase.
Data Source
AI summary
Various systems and methods of controlling a surgical instrument are disclosed. The surgical instrument can include a motor and a control circuit coupled to the motor. The motor can be coupled to a clamping member, which is configured to transition an end effector between an open position and a closed position, cut tissue, and/or eject staples from a staple cartridge in the end effector. The control circuit can be programmed to cause the motor to drive a clamping member at a first rate in a first zone between the first position and the second position and cause the motor to drive the clamping member at a second rate in a second zone between the first position and the second position; wherein the first rate is less than the second rate.