Mechanisms for compensating for drivetrain failure in powered surgical instruments

[0001] This application is related to commonly-owned and concurrently filed U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,259 and titled MECHANISMS FOR DETECTING DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0231626, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,275 and titled MECHANISMS FOR DETECTING DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0231627, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,289 and titled MECHANISMS FOR DETECTING DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0231628 each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,488 and titled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,552 and titled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,525 and titled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS are also incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0003] The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various arrangements, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments and staple cartridges for use therewith that are designed to staple and cut tissue.

[0045] Before explaining various forms of mechanisms for compensating for drivetrain failure in powered surgical instruments in detail, it should be noted that the illustrative forms are not limited in application or use to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and description. The illustrative forms may be implemented or incorporated in other forms, variations and modifications, and may be practiced or carried out in various ways. Further, unless otherwise indicated, the terms and expressions employed herein have been chosen for the purpose of describing the illustrative forms for the convenience of the reader and are not for the purpose of limitation thereof.

[0046] Further, it is understood that any one or more of the following-described forms, expressions of forms, examples, can be combined with any one or more of the other following-described forms, expressions of forms, and examples.

[0047] Various forms are directed to mechanisms for compensating for drivetrain failure in powered surgical instruments. In one form, the mechanisms for compensating for drivetrain failure in powered surgical instruments may be configured for use in open surgical procedures, but has applications in other types of surgery, such as laparoscopic, endoscopic, and robotic-assisted procedures.

[0048] FIGS. 1-18 depict various aspects of a surgical system that is generally designated as 10, and is in the form of a powered hand held electromechanical instrument configured for selective attachment thereto of a plurality of different end effectors that are each configured for actuation and manipulation by the powered hand held electromechanical surgical instrument. The aspects of FIGS. 1-18 are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0110453, filed Oct. 23, 2012, and titled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH RAPID POST EVENT DETECTION, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0282052, filed Jun. 19, 2013, and titled APPARATUS FOR ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURES, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0274722, filed May 10, 2013, and titled APPARATUS FOR ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURES.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a surgical instrument 100 is configured for selective connection with an adapter 200, and, in turn, adapter 200 is configured for selective connection with an end effector or single use loading unit or reload 300. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the surgical instrument 100 includes a handle housing 102 having a lower housing portion 104, an intermediate housing portion 106 extending from and/or supported on lower housing portion 104, and an upper housing portion 108 extending from and/or supported on intermediate housing portion 106. Intermediate housing portion 106 and upper housing portion 108 are separated into a distal half-section 110a that is integrally formed with and extending from the lower portion 104, and a proximal half-section 110b connectable to distal half-section 110a by a plurality of fasteners. When joined, distal and proximal half-sections 110a, 110b define a handle housing 102 having a cavity 102a therein in which a circuit board 150 and a drive mechanism 160 is situated.

[0050] Distal and proximal half-sections 110a, 110b are divided along a plane that traverses a longitudinal axis “X” of upper housing portion 108, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. Handle housing 102 includes a gasket 112 extending completely around a rim of distal half-section and/or proximal half-section 110a, 110b and being interposed between distal half-section 110a and proximal half-section 110b. Gasket 112 seals the perimeter of distal half-section 110a and proximal half-section 110b. Gasket 112 functions to establish an air-tight seal between distal half-section 110a and proximal half-section 110b such that circuit board 150 and drive mechanism 160 are protected from sterilization and/or cleaning procedures.

[0051] In this manner, the cavity 102a of handle housing 102 is sealed along the perimeter of distal half-section 110a and proximal half-section 110b yet is configured to enable easier, more efficient assembly of circuit board 150 and a drive mechanism 160 in handle housing 102.

[0052] Intermediate housing portion 106 of handle housing 102 provides a housing in which circuit board 150 is situated. Circuit board 150 is configured to control the various operations of surgical instrument 100.

[0053] Lower housing portion 104 of surgical instrument 100 defines an aperture (not shown) formed in an upper surface thereof and which is located beneath or within intermediate housing portion 106. The aperture of lower housing portion 104 provides a passage through which wires 152 pass to electrically interconnect electrical components (a battery 156, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a circuit board 154, as illustrated in FIG. 3, etc.) situated in lower housing portion 104 with electrical components (circuit board 150, drive mechanism 160, etc.) situated in intermediate housing portion 106 and/or upper housing portion 108.

[0054] Handle housing 102 includes a gasket 103 disposed within the aperture of lower housing portion 104 (not shown) thereby plugging or sealing the aperture of lower housing portion 104 while allowing wires 152 to pass therethrough. Gasket 103 functions to establish an air-tight seal between lower housing portion 106 and intermediate housing portion 108 such that circuit board 150 and drive mechanism 160 are protected from sterilization and/or cleaning procedures.

[0055] As shown, lower housing portion 104 of handle housing 102 provides a housing in which a rechargeable battery 156, is removably situated. Battery 156 is configured to supply power to any of the electrical components of surgical instrument 100. Lower housing portion 104 defines a cavity (not shown) into which battery 156 is inserted. Lower housing portion 104 includes a door 105 pivotally connected thereto for closing cavity of lower housing portion 104 and retaining battery 156 therein.

[0056] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, distal half-section 110a of upper housing portion 108 defines a nose or connecting portion 108a. A nose cone 114 is supported on nose portion 108a of upper housing portion 108. Nose cone 114 is fabricated from a transparent material. A feedback indicator such as, for example, an illumination member 116 is disposed within nose cone 114 such that illumination member 116 is visible therethrough. Illumination member 116 is may be a light emitting diode printed circuit board (LED PCB). Illumination member 116 is configured to illuminate multiple colors with a specific color pattern being associated with a unique discrete event.

[0057] Upper housing portion 108 of handle housing 102 provides a housing in which drive mechanism 160 is situated. As illustrated in FIG. 5, drive mechanism 160 is configured to drive shafts and/or gear components in order to perform the various operations of surgical instrument 100. In particular, drive mechanism 160 is configured to drive shafts and/or gear components in order to selectively move tool assembly 304 of end effector 300 (see FIGS. 1 and 9) relative to proximal body portion 302 of end effector 300, to rotate end effector 300 about a longitudinal axis “X” (see FIG. 2) relative to handle housing 102, to move anvil assembly 306 relative to cartridge assembly 308 of end effector 300, and/or to fire a stapling and cutting cartridge within cartridge assembly 308 of end effector 300.

[0058] The drive mechanism 160 includes a selector gearbox assembly 162 that is located immediately proximal relative to adapter 200. Proximal to the selector gearbox assembly 162 is a function selection module 163 having a first motor 164 that functions to selectively move gear elements within the selector gearbox assembly 162 into engagement with an input drive component 165 having a second motor 166.

[0059] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, and as mentioned above, distal half-section 110a of upper housing portion 108 defines a connecting portion 108a configured to accept a corresponding drive coupling assembly 210 of adapter 200.

[0060] As illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, connecting portion 108a of surgical instrument 100 has a cylindrical recess 108b that receives a drive coupling assembly 210 of adapter 200 when adapter 200 is mated to surgical instrument 100. Connecting portion 108a houses three rotatable drive connectors 118, 120, 122.

[0061] When adapter 200 is mated to surgical instrument 100, each of rotatable drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical instrument 100 couples with a corresponding rotatable connector sleeve 218, 220, 222 of adapter 200 as shown in FIG. 6. In this regard, the interface between corresponding first drive connector 118 and first connector sleeve 218, the interface between corresponding second drive connector 120 and second connector sleeve 220, and the interface between corresponding third drive connector 122 and third connector sleeve 222 are keyed such that rotation of each of drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical instrument 100 causes a corresponding rotation of the corresponding connector sleeve 218, 220, 222 of adapter 200.

[0062] The mating of drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical instrument 100 with connector sleeves 218, 220, 222 of adapter 200 allows rotational forces to be independently transmitted via each of the three respective connector interfaces. The drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical instrument 100 are configured to be independently rotated by drive mechanism 160. In this regard, the function selection module 163 of drive mechanism 160 selects which drive connector or connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical instrument 100 is to be driven by the input drive component 165 of drive mechanism 160.

[0063] Since each of drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical instrument 100 has a keyed and/or substantially non-rotatable interface with respective connector sleeves 218, 220, 222 of adapter 200, when adapter 200 is coupled to surgical instrument 100, rotational force(s) are selectively transferred from drive mechanism 160 of surgical instrument 100 to adapter 200.

[0064] The selective rotation of drive connector(s) 118, 120 and/or 122 of surgical instrument 100 allows surgical instrument 100 to selectively actuate different functions of end effector 300. Selective and independent rotation of first drive connector 118 of surgical instrument 100 corresponds to the selective and independent opening and closing of tool assembly 304 of end effector 300, and driving of a stapling/cutting component of tool assembly 304 of end effector 300. Also, the selective and independent rotation of second drive connector 120 of surgical instrument 100 corresponds to the selective and independent articulation of tool assembly 304 of end effector 300 transverse to longitudinal axis “X” (see FIG. 2). Additionally, the selective and independent rotation of third drive connector 122 of surgical instrument 100 corresponds to the selective and independent rotation of end effector 300 about longitudinal axis “X” (see FIG. 2) relative to handle housing 102 of surgical instrument 100.

[0065] As mentioned above and as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 8, drive mechanism 160 includes a selector gearbox assembly 162; and a function selection module 163, located proximal to the selector gearbox assembly 162, that functions to selectively move gear elements within the selector gearbox assembly 162 into engagement with second motor 166. Thus, drive mechanism 160 selectively drives one of drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical instrument 100 at a given time.

[0066] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, handle housing 102 supports a control assembly 107 on a distal surface or side of intermediate housing portion 108. The control assembly 107 is a fully-functional mechanical subassembly that can be assembled and tested separately from the rest of the instrument 100 prior to coupling thereto.

[0067] Control assembly 107, in cooperation with intermediate housing portion 108, supports a pair of finger-actuated control buttons 124, 126 and a pair rocker devices 128, 130 within a housing 107a. The control buttons 124, 126 are coupled to extension shafts 125, 127 respectively. In particular, control assembly 107 defines an upper aperture 124a for slidably receiving the extension shaft 125, and a lower aperture 126a for slidably receiving the extension shaft 127.

[0068] The control assembly 107 and its components (e.g., control buttons 124, 126 and rocker devices 128, 130) my be formed from low friction, self-lubricating, lubricious plastics or materials or coatings covering the moving components to reduce actuation forces, key component wear, elimination of galling, smooth consistent actuation, improved component and assembly reliability and reduced clearances for a tighter fit and feel consistency. This includes the use of plastic materials in the bushings, rocker journals, plunger bushings, spring pockets, retaining rings and slider components. Molding the components in plastic also provides net-shape or mesh-shaped components with all of these performance attributes. Plastic components eliminate corrosion and bi-metal anodic reactions under electrolytic conditions such as autoclaving, steam sterilizations and cleaning Press fits with lubricious plastics and materials also eliminate clearances with minimal strain or functional penalties on the components when compared to similar metal components.

[0069] Suitable materials for forming the components of the control assembly 107 include, but are not limited to, polyamines, polyphenylene sulfides, polyphthalamides, polyphenylsulfones, polyether ketones, polytetrafluoroethylenes, and combinations thereof. These components may be used in the presence or absence of lubricants and may also include additives for reduced wear and frictional forces.

[0070] Reference may be made to a U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/331,047, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,968,276, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein, for a detailed discussion of the construction and operation of the surgical instrument 100.

[0071] The surgical instrument 100 includes a firing assembly configured to deploy or eject a plurality of staples into tissue captured by the end effector 300. The firing assembly comprises a drive assembly 360, as illustrated in FIG. 9. The drive assembly 360 includes a flexible drive beam 364 having a distal end which is secured to a dynamic clamping member 365, and a proximal engagement section 368. Engagement section 368 includes a stepped portion defining a shoulder 370. A proximal end of engagement section 368 includes diametrically opposed inwardly extending fingers 372. Fingers 372 engage a hollow drive member 374 to fixedly secure drive member 374 to the proximal end of beam 364. Drive member 374 defines a proximal porthole 376a which receives a connection member of drive tube 246 (FIG. 1) of adapter 200 when end effector 300 is attached to distal coupling 230 of adapter 200.

[0072] When drive assembly 360 is advanced distally within tool assembly 304, an upper beam 365a of clamping member 365 moves within a channel defined between anvil plate 312 and anvil cover 310 and a lower beam 365b moves over the exterior surface of carrier 316 to close tool assembly 304 and fire staples therefrom.

[0073] Proximal body portion 302 of end effector 300 includes a sheath or outer tube 301 enclosing an upper housing portion 301a and a lower housing portion 301b. The housing portions 301a and 301b enclose an articulation link 366 having a hooked proximal end 366a which extends from a proximal end of end effector 300. Hooked proximal end 366a of articulation link 366 engages a coupling hook (not shown) of adapter 200 when end effector 300 is secured to distal housing 232 of adapter 200. When drive bar 258 of adapter 200 is advanced or retracted as described above, articulation link 366 of end effector 300 is advanced or retracted within end effector 300 to pivot tool assembly 304 in relation to a distal end of proximal body portion 302.

[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 9 above, cartridge assembly 308 of tool assembly 304 includes a staple cartridge 305 supportable in carrier 316. The cartridge can be permanently installed in the end effector 300 or can be arranged so as to be removable and replaceable. Staple cartridge 305 defines a central longitudinal slot 305a, and three linear rows of staple retention slots 305b positioned on each side of longitudinal slot 305a. Each of staple retention slots 305b receives a single staple 307 and a portion of a staple pusher 309. During operation of instrument 100, drive assembly 360 abuts an actuation sled and pushes actuation sled through cartridge 305. As the actuation sled moves through cartridge 305, cam wedges of the actuation sled sequentially engage staple pushers 309 to move staple pushers 309 vertically within staple retention slots 305b and sequentially eject staples 307 therefrom for formation against anvil plate 312.

[0075] The hollow drive member 374 includes a lockout mechanism 373 that prevents a firing of previously fired end effectors 300. The lockout mechanism 373 includes a locking member 371 pivotally coupled within a distal porthole 376b via a pin 377, such that locking member 371 is pivotal about pin 377 relative to drive member 374.

[0076] With reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B, locking member 371 defines a channel 379 formed between elongate glides 381 and 383. Web 385 joins a portion of the upper surfaces of glides 381 and 383. Web 385 is configured and dimensioned to fit within the porthole 376b of the drive member 374. Horizontal ledges 389 and 391 extend from glides 381 and 383 respectively. As best shown in FIG. 9, a spring 393 is disposed within the drive member 374 and engages horizontal ledge 389 and/or horizontal ledge 391 to bias locking member 371 downward.

[0077] In operation, the locking member 371 is initially disposed in its pre-fired position at the proximal end of the housing portions 301a and 301b with horizontal ledge 389 and 391 resting on top of projections 303a, 303b formed in the sidewalls of housing portion 301b. In this position, locking member 371 is held up and out of alignment with a projection 303c formed in the bottom surface of housing portion 301b, distal of the projection 303a, 303b, and web 385 is in longitudinal juxtaposition with shoulder 370 defined in drive beam 364. This configuration permits the anvil 306 to be opened and repositioned onto the tissue to be stapled until the surgeon is satisfied with the position without activating locking member 371 to disable the disposable end effector 300.

[0078] Upon distal movement of the drive beam 364 by the drive tube 246, locking member 371 rides off of projections 303a, 303b and is biased into engagement with housing portion 301b by the spring 393, distal of projection 303c. Locking member 371 remains in this configuration throughout firing of the apparatus.

[0079] Upon retraction of the drive beam 364, after at least a partial firing, locking member 371 passes under projections 303a, 303b and rides over projection 303c of housing portion 301b until the distal-most portion of locking member 371 is proximal to projection 303c. The spring 393 biases locking member 371 into juxtaposed alignment with projection 303c, effectively disabling the disposable end effector. When an attempt is made to reactuate the apparatus, loaded with the existing end effector 300, the locking member 371 will abut projection 303c of housing portion 301b and will inhibit distal movement of the drive beam 364.

[0080] Another aspect of the instrument 100 is shown in FIG. 11. The instrument 100 includes the motor 164. The motor 164 may be any electrical motor configured to actuate one or more drives (e.g., rotatable drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of FIG. 6). The motor 164 is coupled to the battery 156, which may be a DC battery (e.g., rechargeable lead-based, nickel-based, lithium-ion based, battery etc.), an AC/DC transformer, or any other power source suitable for providing electrical energy to the motor 164.

[0081] The battery 156 and the motor 164 are coupled to a motor driver circuit 404 disposed on the circuit board 154 which controls the operation of the motor 164 including the flow of electrical energy from the battery 156 to the motor 164. The driver circuit 404 includes a plurality of sensors 408a, 408b, . . . 408n configured to measure operational states of the motor 164 and the battery 156. The sensors 408a-n may include voltage sensors, current sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, telemetry sensors, optical sensors, and combinations thereof. The sensors 408a-408n may measure voltage, current, and other electrical properties of the electrical energy supplied by the battery 156. The sensors 408a-408n may also measure rotational speed as revolutions per minute (RPM), torque, temperature, current draw, and other operational properties of the motor 164. RPM may be determined by measuring the rotation of the motor 164. Position of various drive shafts (e.g., rotatable drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of FIG. 6) may be determined by using various linear sensors disposed in or in proximity to the shafts or extrapolated from the RPM measurements. In aspects, torque may be calculated based on the regulated current draw of the motor 164 at a constant RPM. In further aspects, the driver circuit 404 and/or the controller 406 may measure time and process the above-described values as a function thereof, including integration and/or differentiation, e.g., to determine rate of change of the measured values and the like.

[0082] The driver circuit 404 is also coupled to a controller 406, which may be any suitable logic control circuit adapted to perform the calculations and/or operate according to a set of instructions. The controller 406 may include a central processing unit operably connected to a memory which may include transitory type memory (e.g., RAM) and/or non-transitory type memory (e.g., flash media, disk media, etc.). The controller 406 includes a plurality of inputs and outputs for interfacing with the driver circuit 404. In particular, the controller 406 receives measured sensor signals from the driver circuit 404 regarding operational status of the motor 164 and the battery 156 and, in turn, outputs control signals to the driver circuit 404 to control the operation of the motor 164 based on the sensor readings and specific algorithm instructions. The controller 406 is also configured to accept a plurality of user inputs from a user interface (e.g., switches, buttons, touch screen, etc. of the control assembly 107 coupled to the controller 406). A removable memory card or chip may be provided, or data can be downloaded wirelessly.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 12-18, a surgical system 10′ is depicted. The surgical system 10′ is similar in many respects to the surgical system 10. For example, the surgical system 10′ includes the surgical instrument 100. Upper housing portion 108 of instrument housing 102 defines a nose or connecting portion 108a configured to accept a corresponding shaft coupling assembly 514 of a transmission housing 512 of a shaft assembly 500 that is similar in many respects to the shaft assembly 200.

[0084] The shaft assembly 500 has a force transmitting assembly for interconnecting the at least one drive member of the surgical instrument to at least one rotation receiving member of the end effector. The force transmitting assembly has a first end that is connectable to the at least one rotatable drive member and a second end that is connectable to the at least one rotation receiving member of the end effector. When shaft assembly 500 is mated to surgical instrument 100, each of rotatable drive members or connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical instrument 100 couples with a corresponding rotatable connector sleeve 518, 520, 522 of shaft assembly 500 (see FIGS. 13 and 15). In this regard, the interface between corresponding first drive member or connector 118 and first connector sleeve 518, the interface between corresponding second drive member or connector 120 and second connector sleeve 520, and the interface between corresponding third drive member or connector 122 and third connector sleeve 522 are keyed such that rotation of each of drive members or connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical instrument 100 causes a corresponding rotation of the corresponding connector sleeve 518, 520, 522 of shaft assembly 500.

[0085] The selective rotation of drive member(s) or connector(s) 118, 120 and/or 122 of surgical instrument 100 allows surgical instrument 100 to selectively actuate different functions of an end effector 400.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 14, the shaft assembly 500 includes an elongate, substantially rigid, outer tubular body 510 having a proximal end 510a and a distal end 510b and a transmission housing 212 connected to proximal end 210a of tubular body 510 and being configured for selective connection to surgical instrument 100. In addition, the shaft assembly 500 further includes an articulating neck assembly 530 connected to distal end 510b of elongate body portion 510.

[0087] Transmission housing 512 is configured to house a pair of gear train systems therein for varying a speed/force of rotation (e.g., increase or decrease) of first, second and/or third rotatable drive members or connectors 118, 120, and/or 122 of surgical instrument 100 before transmission of such rotational speed/force to the end effector 501. As seen in FIG. 15, transmission housing 512 and shaft coupling assembly 514 rotatably support a first proximal or input drive shaft 524a, a second proximal or input drive shaft 526a, and a third drive shaft 528.

[0088] Shaft drive coupling assembly 514 includes a first, a second and a third biasing member 518a, 520a and 522a disposed distally of respective first, second and third connector sleeves 518, 520, 522. Each of biasing members 518a, 520a and 522a is disposed about respective first proximal drive shaft 524a, second proximal drive shaft 526a, and third drive shaft 228. Biasing members 518a, 520a and 522a act on respective connector sleeves 518, 520 and 522 to help maintain connector sleeves 218, 220 and 222 engaged with the distal end of respective drive rotatable drive members or connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical instrument 100 when shaft assembly 500 is connected to surgical instrument 100.

[0089] Shaft assembly 500 includes a first and a second gear train system 540, 550, respectively, disposed within transmission housing 512 and tubular body 510, and adjacent coupling assembly 514. As mentioned above, each gear train system 540, 550 is configured and adapted to vary a speed/force of rotation (e.g., increase or decrease) of first and second rotatable drive connectors 118 and 120 of surgical instrument 100 before transmission of such rotational speed/force to end effector 501.

[0090] As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, first gear train system 540 includes first input drive shaft 524a, and a first input drive shaft spur gear 542a keyed to first input drive shaft 524a. First gear train system 540 also includes a first transmission shaft 544 rotatably supported in transmission housing 512, a first input transmission spur gear 544 a keyed to first transmission shaft 544 and engaged with first input drive shaft spur gear 542a, and a first output transmission spur gear 544b keyed to first transmission shaft 544. First gear train system 540 further includes a first output drive shaft 546a rotatably supported in transmission housing 512 and tubular body 510, and a first output drive shaft spur gear 546b keyed to first output drive shaft 546a and engaged with first output transmission spur gear 544b.

[0091] In at least one instance, the first input drive shaft spur gear 542a includes 10 teeth; first input transmission spur gear 544a includes 18 teeth; first output transmission spur gear 544b includes 13 teeth; and first output drive shaft spur gear 546b includes 15 teeth. As so configured, an input rotation of first input drive shaft 524a is converted to an output rotation of first output drive shaft 546a by a ratio of 1:2.08.

[0092] In operation, as first input drive shaft spur gear 542a is rotated, due to a rotation of first connector sleeve 558 and first input drive shaft 524a, as a result of the rotation of the first respective drive connector 118 of surgical instrument 100, first input drive shaft spur gear 542a engages first input transmission spur gear 544a causing first input transmission spur gear 544a to rotate. As first input transmission spur gear 544a rotates, first transmission shaft 544 is rotated and thus causes first output drive shaft spur gear 546b, that is keyed to first transmission shaft 544, to rotate. As first output drive shaft spur gear 546b rotates, since first output drive shaft spur gear 546b is engaged therewith, first output drive shaft spur gear 546b is also rotated. As first output drive shaft spur gear 546b rotates, since first output drive shaft spur gear 546b is keyed to first output drive shaft 546a, first output drive shaft 546a is rotated.

[0093] The shaft assembly 500, including the first gear system 540, functions to transmit operative forces from surgical instrument 100 to end effector 501 in order to operate, actuate and/or fire end effector 501.

[0094] As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 17, second gear train system 550 includes second input drive shaft 526a, and a second input drive shaft spur gear 552a keyed to second input drive shaft 526a. Second gear train system 550 also includes a first transmission shaft 554 rotatably supported in transmission housing 512, a first input transmission spur gear 554a keyed to first transmission shaft 554 and engaged with second input drive shaft spur gear 552a, and a first output transmission spur gear 554b keyed to first transmission shaft 554.

[0095] Second gear train system 550 further includes a second transmission shaft 556 rotatably supported in transmission housing 512, a second input transmission spur gear 556a keyed to second transmission shaft 556 and engaged with first output transmission spur gear 554b that is keyed to first transmission shaft 554, and a second output transmission spur gear 556b keyed to second transmission shaft 556.

[0096] Second gear train system 550 additionally includes a second output drive shaft 558a rotatably supported in transmission housing 512 and tubular body 510, and a second output drive shaft spur gear 558b keyed to second output drive shaft 558a and engaged with second output transmission spur gear 556b.

[0097] In at least one instance, the second input drive shaft spur gear 552a includes 10 teeth; first input transmission spur gear 554a includes 20 teeth; first output transmission spur gear 554b includes 10 teeth; second input transmission spur gear 556a includes 20 teeth; second output transmission spur gear 556b includes 10 teeth; and second output drive shaft spur gear 558b includes 15 teeth. As so configured, an input rotation of second input drive shaft 526a is converted to an output rotation of second output drive shaft 558a by a ratio of 1:6.

[0098] In operation, as second input drive shaft spur gear 552a is rotated, due to a rotation of second connector sleeve 560 and second input drive shaft 526a, as a result of the rotation of the second respective drive connector 120 of surgical instrument 100, second input drive shaft spur gear 552a engages first input transmission spur gear 554a causing first input transmission spur gear 554a to rotate. As first input transmission spur gear 554a rotates, first transmission shaft 554 is rotated and thus causes first output transmission spur gear 554b, that is keyed to first transmission shaft 554, to rotate. As first output transmission spur gear 554b rotates, since second input transmission spur gear 556a is engaged therewith, second input transmission spur gear 556a is also rotated. As second input transmission spur gear 556a rotates, second transmission shaft 256 is rotated and thus causes second output transmission spur gear 256b, that is keyed to second transmission shaft 556, to rotate. As second output transmission spur gear 556b rotates, since second output drive shaft spur gear 558b is engaged therewith, second output drive shaft spur gear 558b is rotated. As second output drive shaft spur gear 558b rotates, since second output drive shaft spur gear 558b is keyed to second output drive shaft 558a, second output drive shaft 558a is rotated.

[0099] The shaft assembly 500, including second gear train system 550, functions to transmit operative forces from surgical instrument 100 to end effector 501 in order rotate shaft assembly 500 and/or end effector 501 relative to surgical instrument 100.

[0100] As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 18, the transmission housing 512 and shaft coupling assembly 514 rotatably support a third drive shaft 528. Third drive shaft 528 includes a proximal end 528a configured to support third connector sleeve 522, and a distal end 528b extending to and operatively connected to an articulation assembly 570.

[0101] As illustrated in FIG. 14, elongate, outer tubular body 510 of shaft assembly 500 includes a first half section 511 a and a second half section 511b defining at least three longitudinally extending channels through outer tubular body 510 when half sections 511a, 511b are mated with one another. The channels are configured and dimensioned to rotatably receive and support first output drive shaft 546a, second output drive shaft 558a, and third drive shaft 528 as first output drive shaft 546a, second output drive shaft 558a, and third drive shaft 528 extend from transmission housing 512 to articulating neck assembly 530. Each of first output drive shaft 546a, second output drive shaft 558a, and third drive shaft 528 are elongate and sufficiently rigid to transmit rotational forces from transmission housing 520 to articulating neck assembly 530.

[0102] Turning to FIG. 14, the shaft assembly 500 further includes an articulating neck assembly 530. The articulating neck assembly 530 includes a proximal neck housing 532, a plurality of links 534 connected to and extending in series from proximal neck housing 532; and a distal neck housing 536 connected to and extending from a distal-most link of the plurality of links 534. It is contemplated that, in any of the aspects disclosed herein, that the shaft assembly may have a single link or pivot member for allowing the articulation of the end effector. It is contemplated that, in any of the aspects disclosed herein, that the distal neck housing can be incorporated with the distal most link.

[0103] The entire disclosures of:

• • [0104] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0110453, filed Oct. 23, 2012, and titled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH RAPID POST EVENT DETECTION;
  • [0105] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0282052, filed Jun. 19, 2013, and titled APPARATUS FOR ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURES; and
  • [0106] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0274722, filed May 10, 2013, and titled APPARATUS FOR ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURES, are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 19-20, a surgical instrument 10 is depicted. The surgical instrument 10 is similar in many respects to the surgical instrument 100. For example, the surgical instrument 10 is configured for selective connection with the end effector or single use loading unit or reload 300 via the adapter 200. Also, the surgical instrument 10 includes a handle housing 102 that includes a lower housing portion 104, an intermediate housing portion 106, and an upper housing portion 108.

[0108] Like the surgical instrument 100, the surgical instrument 10 includes a drive mechanism 160 which is configured to drive shafts and/or gear components in order to perform the various operations of surgical instrument 10. In at least one instance, the drive mechanism 160 includes a rotation drivetrain 12 (See FIG. 20) configured to rotate end effector 300 about a longitudinal axis “X” (see FIG. 2) relative to handle housing 102. The drive mechanism 160 further includes a closure drivetrain 14 (See FIG. 20) configured to move the anvil assembly 306 relative to the cartridge assembly 308 of the end effector 300 to capture tissue therebetween. In addition, the drive mechanism 160 includes a firing drivetrain 16 (See FIG. 20) configured to fire a stapling and cutting cartridge within the cartridge assembly 308 of the end effector 300.

[0109] As described above, referring primarily to FIGS. 7, 8, and 20, the drive mechanism 160 includes a selector gearbox assembly 162 that can be located immediately proximal relative to adapter 200. Proximal to the selector gearbox assembly 162 is the function selection module 163 which includes the first motor 164 that functions to selectively move gear elements within the selector gearbox assembly 162 to selectively position one of the drivetrains 12, 14, and 16 into engagement with the input drive component 165 of the second motor 166.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 20, the motors 164 and 166 are coupled to motor control circuits 18 and 18′, respectively, which are configured to control the operation of the motors 164 and 66 including the flow of electrical energy from a power source 156 to the motors 164 and 166. The power source 156 may be a DC battery (e.g., rechargeable lead-based, nickel-based, lithium-ion based, battery etc.), an AC/DC transformer, or any other power source suitable for providing electrical energy to the surgical instrument 10.

[0111] The surgical instrument 10 further includes a microcontroller 20 (“controller”). In certain instances, the controller 20 may include a microprocessor 36 (“processor”) and one or more computer readable mediums or memory units 38 (“memory”). In certain instances, the memory 38 may store various program instructions, which when executed may cause the processor 36 to perform a plurality of functions and/or calculations described herein. The power source 156 can be configured to supply power to the controller 20, for example.

[0112] The processor 36 can be in communication with the motor control circuit 18. In addition, the memory 38 may store program instructions, which when executed by the processor 36 in response to a user input 34, may cause the motor control circuit 18 to motivate the motor 164 to generate at least one rotational motion to selectively move gear elements within the selector gearbox assembly 162 to selectively position one of the drivetrains 12, 14, and 16 into engagement with the input drive component 165 of the second motor 166. Furthermore, the processor 36 can be in communication with the motor control circuit 18′. The memory 38 may also store program instructions, which when executed by the processor 36 in response to a user input 34, may cause the motor control circuit 18′ to motivate the motor 166 to generate at least one rotational motion to drive the drivetrain engaged with the input drive component 165 of the second motor 166, for example.

[0113] The controller 20 and/or other controllers of the present disclosure may be implemented using integrated and/or discrete hardware elements, software elements, and/or a combination of both. Examples of integrated hardware elements may include processors, microprocessors, microcontrollers, integrated circuits, ASICs, PLDs, DSPs, FPGAs, logic gates, registers, semiconductor devices, chips, microchips, chip sets, microcontrollers, SoC, and/or SIP. Examples of discrete hardware elements may include circuits and/or circuit elements such as logic gates, field effect transistors, bipolar transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, and/or relays. In certain instances, the controller 20 may include a hybrid circuit comprising discrete and integrated circuit elements or components on one or more substrates, for example.

[0114] In certain instances, the controller 20 and/or other controllers of the present disclosure may be an LM 4F230H5QR, available from Texas Instruments, for example. In certain instances, the Texas Instruments LM4F230H5QR is an ARM Cortex-M4F Processor Core comprising on-chip memory of 256 KB single-cycle flash memory, or other non-volatile memory, up to 40 MHz, a prefetch buffer to improve performance above 40 MHz, a 32 KB single-cycle SRAM, internal ROM loaded with StellarisWare® software, 2 KB EEPROM, one or more PWM modules, one or more QEI analog, one or more 12-bit ADC with 12 analog input channels, among other features that are readily available. Other microcontrollers may be readily substituted for use with the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure should not be limited in this context.

[0115] In various instances, one or more of the various steps described herein can be performed by a finite state machine comprising either a combinational logic circuit or a sequential logic circuit, where either the combinational logic circuit or the sequential logic circuit is coupled to at least one memory circuit. The at least one memory circuit stores a current state of the finite state machine. The combinational or sequential logic circuit is configured to cause the finite state machine to the steps. The sequential logic circuit may be synchronous or asynchronous. In other instances, one or more of the various steps described herein can be performed by a circuit that includes a combination of the processor 36 and the finite state machine, for example.

[0116] In various instances, it can be advantageous to be able to assess the state of the functionality of a surgical instrument to ensure its proper function. It is possible, for example, for the drive mechanism, as explained above, which is configured to include various motors, drivetrains, and/or gear components in order to perform the various operations of the surgical instrument 10, to wear out over time. This can occur through normal use, and in some instances the drive mechanism can wear out faster due to abuse conditions. In certain instances, a surgical instrument 10 can be configured to perform self-assessments to determine the state, e.g. health, of the drive mechanism and it various components.

[0117] For example, the self-assessment can be used to determine when the surgical instrument 10 is capable of performing its function before a re-sterilization or when some of the components should be replaced and/or repaired. Assessment of the drive mechanism and its components, including but not limited to the rotation drivetrain 12, the closure drivetrain 14, and/or the firing drivetrain 16, can be accomplished in a variety of ways. The magnitude of deviation from a predicted performance can be used to determine the likelihood of a sensed failure and the severity of such failure. Several metrics can be used including: Periodic analysis of repeatably predictable events, Peaks or drops that exceed an expected threshold, and width of the failure.

[0118] In various instances, a signature waveform of a properly functioning drive mechanism or one or more of its components can be employed to assess the state of the drive mechanism or the one or more of its components. One or more vibration sensors can be arranged with respect to a properly functioning drive mechanism or one or more of its components to record various vibrations that occur during operation of the properly functioning drive mechanism or the one or more of its components. The recorded vibrations can be employed to create the signature waveform. Future waveforms can be compared against the signature waveform to assess the state of the drive mechanism and its components.

[0119] In at least one aspect, the principles of acoustics can be employed to assess the state of the drive mechanism and its components. As used herein, the term acoustics refers generally to all mechanical waves in gases, liquids, and solids including vibration, sound, ultrasound (sound waves with frequencies higher than the upper audible limit of human hearing), and infrasound (low-frequency sound, lower in frequency than 20 Hz [hertz] or cycles per second, hence lower than the “normal” limit of human hearing). Accordingly, acoustic emissions from the drive mechanism and its components may be detected with acoustic sensors including vibration, sound, ultrasound, and infrasound sensors. In one aspect, the vibratory frequency signature of a drive mechanism 160 can be analyzed to determine the state of one or more of the drivetrains 12, 14, and/or 16. One or more vibration sensors can be coupled to one or more of the drivetrains 12, 14, and/or 16 in order to record the acoustic output of the drivetrains when in use.

[0120] Referring again to FIG. 20, the surgical instrument 10 includes a drivetrain failure detection module 40 configured to record and analyze one or more acoustic outputs of one or more of the drivetrains 12, 14, and/or 16. The processor 36 can be in communication with or otherwise control the module 40. As described below in greater detail, the module 40 can be embodied as various means, such as circuitry, hardware, a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium (for example, the memory 38) storing computer readable program instructions that are executable by a processing device (for example, the processor 36), or some combination thereof. In some aspects, the processor 36 can include, or otherwise control the module 40.

[0121] The module 40 may include one or more sensors 42 can be employed by the module 40 to detect drivetrain failures of the surgical instrument 10. In at least one instance, as illustrated in FIG. 21, the sensors 42 may comprise one or more acoustic sensors or microphones, for example. In at least one instance, as illustrated in FIG. 24, the sensors 42 may comprise one or more accelerometers.

[0122] Various types of filters and transforms can be used on the output of a sensor 42 to generate a waveform that represents the operational state of a drivetrain, for example, of the surgical instrument 10. As illustrated in FIG. 21, a plurality of Band-pass filters can be configured to communicate with a sensor 42 in order to process an output thereof. In the example shown in FIG. 21, there are four Band-pass filters, BPF1, BPF2, BPF3, and BPF4, used to filter the output of the sensor 42. These filters are used to determine the various thresholds used to assess the health of a surgical instrument 10, including acceptable limits, marginal limits, and critical limits, for example. In one example, a series of low pass filters as illustrated in FIG. 24 can be used on the output of the sensor 42.

[0123] In one aspect, as illustrated in FIG. 21, logic gates can be employed with the filters to process the output of the sensors 42. Alternatively, a processor such as, for example, the processor 36 can be employed with the filters to process the output of the sensors 42, as illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 24A. FIGS. 24B, 24C, and 24D depict an example structure and operational details of a Band-pass filter used to filter the output of the sensor 42. In at least one instance, one or more of the filters employed in filtering the output the sensor 42 is a Dual Low-Noise JFET-Input General-Purpose Operational Amplifier.

[0124] While various frequencies can be used, the exemplary frequencies of the filters shown in FIG. 21 are 5 kHz, 1 kHz, 200 Hz, and 50 Hz. The output of each filter is shown in FIG. 25, which illustrates the voltage amplitude at the frequency of each filter. The peak amplitude of the output of each filter is shown in FIG. 26. These values can be used to determine the health of the surgical instrument 10 by comparison against threshold values stored in the memory 38, for example. As illustrated in FIG. 24, a multiplexer 44 and an analogue to digital converter 46 can be employed to communicate the output of the filters to the processor 36.

[0125] In at least one instance, an output of a sensor 42 can be recorded when a motor is running during a known function having repeatable movement. For example, the output can be recorded when the motor 166 is running to retract or reset a drivetrain such as, for example the firing drivetrain 16 to an original or starting position. The recorded output of the sensor 42 can be used to develop a signature waveform of that movement. In one example, the recorded output of the sensor 42 is run through a fast Fourier transform to develop the signature waveform.

[0126] Further to the above, the amplitude of key regions of the resulting signature waveform can be compared to predetermined values stored in the memory 38, for example. In at least one instance, the memory 38 may include program instructions which, when executed by the processor 36, may cause the processor 36 to compare the amplitudes of the key regions to the predetermined values stored in the memory 38. When the amplitudes exceed those stored values, the processor 36 determines that one or more components of the surgical instrument 10 is no longer functioning properly and/or that the surgical instrument 10 has reached the end of its usable life.

[0127] FIG. 22 illustrates a vibratory response from a drivetrain that is functioning properly. The output in volts from a microphone that is positioned on or in close proximity to the drivetrain is recorded over time. The frequency response of that output is determined using a fast Fourier transform, as shown in FIG. 22A, to develop a signature waveform for a properly functioning drivetrain. The signature waveform of the properly functioning drivetrain can be employed to detect any malfunction in the same drivetrain or other similar drivetrains. For example, FIG. 23 illustrates a vibratory response from a drivetrain that is not functioning properly. The microphone output is used to determine the frequency response of the malfunctioning drivetrain, as illustrated in FIG. 23A. The deviation of the frequency response of the malfunctioning drivetrain from the signature waveform of the properly functioning drivetrain indicates a malfunction in the drivetrain.

[0128] In at least one instance, stored values of key regions of a frequency response of a properly functioning drivetrain, as shown in FIG. 22A, are compared against recorded values of corresponding regions of a frequency response of an examined drivetrain, as shown in FIG. 23A. In the event the stored values are exceeded by the recorded values, it can be concluded that a malfunction is detected in the examined drivetrain. In response, various safety and remedial steps can be taken as described in greater detail in commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,525, titled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, and filed Dec. 30, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0129] There can be various stages of operation of the surgical instrument 10 as the components are moved to effect a function at an end effector of the surgical instrument 10 such as, for example capturing tissue, firing staples into the captured tissue, and/or cutting the captured tissue. The vibrations generated by the drive mechanism 160 of the surgical instrument 10 can vary depending on the stage of operation of the surgical instrument 10. Certain vibrations can be uniquely associated with certain stages of operation of the surgical instrument 10. Accordingly, taking into consideration the stage or zone of operation of the surgical instrument 10 allows for selectively analyzing the vibrations that are associated with that stage or zone of operation while ignoring other vibrations that are not relevant to that stage or zone of operation. Various sensors such as, for example, position sensors can be employed by the processor 36 to determine the stage of operation of the surgical instrument 10.

[0130] In one example, various stages of operation of the instrument 10 are represented in the graph of FIG. 27, which illustrates the force needed to fire (FTF) the surgical instrument 10 in relation to a displacement position of the drive assembly 360 from a starting or original position during a firing sequence or stroke of the surgical instrument 10. In zone 1, an end effector 300 of the surgical instrument 10 has clamped onto tissue, as described above, but has not affected the tissue. In zone 2, a load is being applied to move an actuation sled of the surgical instrument 10 to allow the end effector 300 to affect the tissue by, for example, cutting and stapling the tissue. In zone 3, the tissue has been cut and stapled by the end effector 300 of the surgical instrument 10. Depending on which zone the surgical instrument 10 is in during capture and processing of the vibrations made by the various drivetrains, the vibrations can either be compared to threshold frequency values or can be disregarded or not considered. For vibrations captured by a sensor 42 in block 48 and block 50 of FIG. 27, certain portions of the captured vibrations can be disregarded or not considered for the purposes of determining the health of the surgical instrument 10.

[0131] In at least one instance, any vibrations captured below the threshold line 52 can be disregarded or not considered. In at least one instance, the ratio of the minimum threshold 52 to a maximum FTF during a firing sequence or stroke of the surgical instrument 10 is any value selected from a range of about 0.001 to about 0.30, for example. In at least one instance, the ratio is any value selected from a range of about 0.01 to about 0.20, for example. In at least one instance, the ratio is any value selected from a range of about 0.01 to about 0.10, for example.

[0132] In addition, any vibrations captured within the block 48 and block 50 can also be disregarded or not considered as long as the events within those blocks are not a catastrophic event. In the event of a catastrophic failure, a drive mechanism 160 is rendered inoperable, and certain bailout steps are taken to ensure, among other things, a safe detachment of the surgical instrument 10 from the tissue being treated. Alternatively, In the event of an acute drivetrain failure, the drivetrain may still be operated to complete a surgical step or to reset the surgical instrument 10; however, certain precautionary and/or safety steps can be taken to avoid or minimize additional damage to the drivetrain and/or other components of the surgical instrument 10.

[0133] Referring again to FIG. 27, in at least one instance, vibrations detected at the beginning and/or the end of the firing stroke of the surgical instrument 10 are disregarded or not considered for the purposes of assessing a damage/function status of the surgical instrument 10. In one example, only vibrations detected at a central segment of the firing stroke of the surgical instrument 10 are considered for the purposes of assessing a damage/function status of the surgical instrument 10. In at least one instance, vibrations detected at the beginning of zone 1 and/or at the end of zone 2 of the firing stroke of the surgical instrument 10, as illustrated in FIG. 27, are disregarded or not considered for the purposes of assessing a damage/function status of the surgical instrument 10.

[0134] A limited increase in noise could indicate increased wear or a non-catastrophic failure of parts of the gears, for example. A significant increase in the magnitude of the noise in chronic fashion could indicate continuing erosion of the transmission but could be used to predict the life of the instrument 10 and it performance degradation allowing the completion of certain jobs, for example. An acute dramatic increase in magnitude or number of peaks could indicate a substantial or catastrophic failure causing the instrument to initiate more immediate and final reaction options, for example.

[0135] FIG. 28 illustrates the velocity of the drive assembly 360 of the surgical instrument 10 in relation to a displacement position of the drive assembly 360 from a starting or original position. Point A, shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, represents an initial contact with tissue, increasing the force to advance the drive assembly 360 of the surgical instrument 10, as shown in FIG. 27, and decreasing the velocity of drive assembly 360, as shown in FIG. 28. Point B, also shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, represents a contact with the thickest portion of the tissue during the stapling and cutting. Accordingly, the FTF at point B is at maximum, as shown in FIG. 27, and the velocity at point B is at its lowest point, as shown in FIG. 28. One or more sensors such as, for example, force sensors can be configured to measure the FTF as the drive assembly 360 is advanced. In addition, one or more position sensors can be configured to detect the position of the drive assembly 360 during a firing sequence of the surgical instrument 10.

[0136] In at least one instance, the memory 38 includes program instructions which, when executed by the processor 36, causes the processor 36 to employ one or more sensors 42 positioned near one or more components of the drive mechanism 160 of the surgical instrument 10 to selectively capture or record vibrations generated by the one or more components of the drive mechanism 160 during a predetermined section of the firing sequence. In at least one instance, the sensors 42 are activated by the processor 36 at a starting point of the predetermined section and deactivated at an end point of the predetermined section of the firing sequence or stroke so that the sensors 42 may only capture or record vibrations generated by during the predetermined section.

[0137] The predetermined section may have a starting point after the firing sequence is begun and an end point before the firing sequence is completed. Said another way, the processor 36 is configured to cause the sensors 42 to only record vibrations at a central section of the firing sequence. As illustrated in FIG. 28, the processor 36 can be configured to cause the sensors 42 to start capturing or recording vibrations during a downward slope of the velocity of the drive assembly 360, and stop recording vibrations during an upward slope of the velocity of the drive assembly 360. Alternatively, the sensors 42 can be active during the entire firing sequence of the surgical instrument 10 while the processor 36 ignores or excludes vibrations recorded outside the predetermined section of the firing sequence or stroke.

[0138] FIG. 29 illustrates acceptable limit modifications based on the zone of the stroke location. Limit profiles for both zone 1 and zone 2 are shown. The threshold limits for zone 2 are higher than zone 1 due to the load of the tissue on the surgical instrument 10. As the velocity of the instrument decreases as the instrument moves from zone 1 to zone 2, the power spectrum will shift down in frequency. As shown in FIG. 30, which represents voltage amplitude versus frequency at various bandwidth represented by the filters shown in FIG. 24 for points A and B of FIGS. 27 and 28, the frequency lines associated with point B for each filter bandwidth are lower than the frequency lines associated with point A due to the load on the instrument 10 from the tissue at point B and the velocity change due to the stroke zone.

[0139] Thus, these limits can be used to assess potential damage to the surgical instrument 10. Using the captured vibrations from the various drivetrains of the surgical instrument 10, the vibrations can be processed using the processor 36 shown in FIG. 21 to determine when the frequency of the vibrations is above certain threshold values stored in memory 38 associated with the processor 36 while taking into account the zone of operation of the surgical instrument 10 during the time of the capture of the vibrations. When the surgical instrument 10 is determined to be defective in some way, the instrument 10 can be repaired or replaced before sterilization or its subsequent use. Various other safety and/or remedial steps can also be taken.

[0140] In another aspect, the magnitude of the noise produced by the surgical instrument 10 can be compared to predefined system harmonics to assess potential damage to the surgical instrument 10, and the severity of that damage. As shown in FIG. 31, the output from the sensor 42 from one or more drivetrains of the surgical instrument 10 is presented as a voltage signal for zone 1, for example. Each frequency, as captured during the processing of the signal through the filters, such as those shown in FIG. 24, can have its own threshold profile.

[0141] For example, as shown in FIG. 31, each frequency may have its own acceptable limit 54, marginal limit 56, and critical limit 58 for each zone of operation of the surgical instrument 10. Based on the example shown in FIG. 31, all the frequencies are acceptable and represent a properly functioning surgical instrument 10 except for the frequency represented by A′. In at least one instance, this causes a processor, such as the processor 36 shown in FIG. 24, to conclude that an acute but not catastrophic drivetrain failure had occurred.

[0142] Further to the above, in at least one instance, the processor 36 is configured to conclude that a catastrophic drivetrain failure had occurred when any one frequency is equal to or exceeds the critical limit 58. Alternatively, the processor 36 may be configured to conclude that a catastrophic drivetrain failure had occurred only when a plurality of frequencies is equal to or exceeds the critical limit 58, for example. Alternatively, the processor 36 may be configured to conclude that a catastrophic drivetrain failure had occurred only when all frequencies, as captured during the processing of the signal through the filters, are equal to or exceed the critical limit 58, for example.

[0143] Further to the above, in at least one instance, the processor 36 is configured to conclude that an acute drivetrain failure had occurred when any one frequency is equal to or exceeds the marginal limit 56 but is below the critical limit 58, as illustrated in FIG. 31. Alternatively, the processor 36 may be configured to conclude that an acute drivetrain failure had occurred only when a plurality of frequencies is equal to or exceeds the marginal limit 56 but below the critical limit 58, for example. Alternatively, the processor 36 may be configured to conclude that an acute drivetrain failure had occurred only when all frequencies, as captured during the processing of the signal through the filters, are equal to or exceed the marginal limit 56 but below the critical limit 58, for example.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 32, a logic diagram 21 represents possible operations that can be implemented by the surgical instrument 10 in response to detected drivetrain failures. The memory 38 may include program instructions, which when executed by the processor 36, may cause the processor 36 to assess the severity of a drivetrain failure based on input from the sensors 42, and activate appropriate responses depending on the determined severity. The memory 38 may include program instructions, which when executed by the processor 36, may cause the processor 36 to respond to a detected 23 acute drivetrain failure by activating a safe mode 22 of operation, for example. In addition, the memory 38 may include program instructions, which when executed by the processor 36, may cause the processor 36 to respond to a detected catastrophic drivetrain failure by activating a recovery or bailout mode 22. When no drivetrain failures are detected, the processor 36 may permit the surgical instrument 10 to continue 27 with normal operations until a drivetrain failure is detected.

[0145] Referring again to FIG. 32, the safe mode 22 may comprise one or more steps such as, for example, a motor modulation step which can be employed by the processor 36 to limit the speed of an active drivetrain. For example, when the firing drivetrain 16 is being actively driven by the motor 166 during a firing sequence, a detection of an acute drivetrain failure by the module 40 may cause the processor 36 to communicate to the motor drive circuit 18′ (FIG. 20) instructions to cause the mechanical output of the motor 166 to be reduced. A reduction in the mechanical output of the motor 166 reduces the speed of the active drivetrain 16 which ensures safe completion of the firing sequence and/or resetting of the active drivetrain 16 to an original or starting position.

[0146] In another aspect, a frequency comparison of a cumulative magnitude of noise with respect to a predetermined minimum and/or maximum threshold is used to assess potential damage to the surgical instrument 10. In at least one instance, a minimum threshold defines an acceptable limit 54. A cumulative magnitude of noise that is below the minimum threshold is construed by the processor 36 as an acceptable limit 54. In addition, a maximum threshold can be employed to define a critical limit 58. A cumulative magnitude of noise that is above the minimum threshold is construed by the processor 36 as a critical limit 58. A marginal limit 56 can be defined by the minimum and maximum thresholds. In one example, a cumulative magnitude of noise that is above the minimum threshold but below the maximum threshold is construed by the processor 36 as a marginal limit 56.

[0147] FIG. 33 is a representation of a processed signal of the output of a sensor 42 that was filtered by four Band-pass filters, BPF1, BPF2, BPF3, and BPF4. The processed signal is represented within frequency bandwidths a₁, a₂, a₃, and a₄ that correspond to the bandwidths of the four Band-pass filters, BPF1, BPF2, BPF3, and BPF4.

[0148] FIG. 33 illustrates a graph of voltage amplitude versus frequency of the processed signal. The peal voltage amplitudes of the processed signal at the center frequencies of the Band-pass filters, BPF1, BPF2, BPF3, and BPF4 are represented by solid vertical lines A, A′, A″, and A′″, respectively. In addition, a baseline threshold value 60 is used to allow for a predictable amount of noise to be disregarded or not considered. Additional noise can be either taken into consideration or disregarded depending on where it falls in the frequency spectrum.

[0149] In the example illustrated in FIG. 33, the voltage amplitude Z2 is discounted as it is below the baseline threshold value 60 that represented an acceptable level of noise, and Z4 is discounted as it falls outside the predetermined bandwidths a₁, a₂, a₃, and a₄. As Z, Z1, and Z3 fall above the baseline threshold value 60 and are within the predetermined bandwidths a1, a2, a3, and a4, these voltage amplitudes are considered with A, A′, A″, and A′″ in defining the cumulative magnitude of noise and, in turn, determining the potential damage to the instrument 10.

[0150] In at least one instance, the Voltage amplitude values at the center frequencies A, A′, A″, and A′″ are summed to generate the cumulative magnitude of noise, as represented by voltage amplitude, that is then employed to assess whether a failure had occurred, and when so, the severity of that failure. In another instance, the Voltage amplitude values at the center frequencies A, A′, A″, and A′″ and any voltage amplitude within the predetermined bandwidths a1, a2, a3, and a4 are summed to generate the cumulative magnitude of noise, as represented by voltage amplitude, that is then employed to assess whether a failure had occurred, and when so, the severity of that failure. In another instance, the Voltage amplitude values at the center frequencies A, A′, A″, and A′″ and any voltage amplitude values greater than the baseline threshold value 60 and within the predetermined bandwidths a1, a2, a3, and a4 are summed to generate the cumulative magnitude of noise, as represented by voltage amplitude, that is then employed to assess whether a failure had occurred, and when so, the severity of that failure.

[0151] In various instances, a comparison between a present noise signal and a previously recorded noise signal, which may be stored in the memory 38, can be employed by the processor 36 to determine a damage/function status of the surgical instrument 10. A noise signal that is recorded by the sensor 42 during a normal operation of the surgical instrument 10 can be filtered and processed by the processor 36 to generate normal processed signal that is stored in the memory 38. Any new noise signal recorded by the sensor 42 can be filtered and processed in the same manner as the normal noise signal to generate a present processed signal which can be compared to normal processed signal stored in the memory 38.

[0152] A deviation between the present processed signature and the normal processed signal beyond a predetermined threshold can be construed as potential damage to the surgical instrument 10. The normal processed signal can be set the first time the instrument is used, for example. Alternatively, a present processed signal becomes the normal processed signal against the next present processed signal.

[0153] FIG. 34 is a representation of two processed signals of the output of a sensor 42 that was filtered by four Band-pass filters, BPF1, BPF2, BPF3, and BPF4. The processed signals are represented within frequency bandwidths a₁, a₂, a₃, and a₄ that correspond to the bandwidths of the four Band-pass filters, BPF1, BPF2, BPF3, and BPF4. FIG. 34 illustrates a graph of voltage amplitude versus frequency of the processed signal.

[0154] The voltage amplitudes of the normal and present processed signals are represented by solid vertical lines. The normal processed signal is in the solid lines while the present processed signal is in the dashed lines represents a present/current processed signal, as described above. There is a baseline threshold value 60 that is used to allow for a predictable amount of noise to be disregarded, similar to the baseline threshold 60 of FIG. 33. The difference between the two iterations are calculated and shown as δ1, δ2, and δ3 in FIG. 34. There are various threshold values that are compared to the various δ values to determine the damage of the surgical instrument 10, indicating an acceptable δ, a marginal δ, or a critical δ that would indicate the need to replace or repair the instrument 10.

[0155] In at least one instance, one or more voltage amplitudes are compared to corresponding voltage amplitudes in a previously recorded noise pattern to assess any damage of the surgical instrument 10. The difference between a present voltage amplitude and a previously-stored voltage amplitude can be compared against one or more predetermined thresholds, which can be stored in the memory 38, to select an output of an acceptable, marginal, or critical status.

[0156] In at least one instance, the differences between the present voltage amplitudes and the previously stored voltage amplitudes are summed and compared to one or more predetermined thresholds stored in the memory 38, for example, to select an output of an acceptable, marginal, or critical status. Magnitude of deviance could be compared range to range to indicate shear change in a local event.

[0157] In various instances, one or more algorithms, which may be stored in the memory 38, can be employed by the processor 36 to determine a damage/function status of the surgical instrument 10 based on the processed signal of the output of the sensor 42. Different noise signals that are recorded by the sensor 42 can be construed to represent different damage/function statuses of the surgical instrument 10. During normal operation, a normal or expected noise signal is recorded by the sensor 42. When an abnormal noise signal is recorded by the sensor 42, it can be further evaluated by the processor 36, using one or more of the algorithms stored in the memory 38, to determine a damage/function status of the surgical instrument 10. The abnormal signal may comprise unique characteristics that can be used to assess the nature of the damage to the surgical instrument 10. For example, the unique characteristics of the abnormal signal may be indicative of damage to a particular component of the surgical instrument 10, which can be readily replaced.

[0158] In certain instances, one or more algorithms are configured to assess normal wear in one or more components of the surgical instrument 10 based on the processed signal of the output of the sensor 42. Normal wear can be detected by identifying a noise signal indicative of potential debris, for example. When the debris, as measured by its recorded noise signs, reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold stored in the memory 38, for example, the processor 36 can be configured to issue an alert that surgical instrument 10 is nearing the end of its life or requires maintenance, for example.

[0159] Furthermore, one or more algorithms can be configured to determine potential damage to one or more gear mechanisms such as, for example, a planet gear mechanism within the drive mechanism 160 based on the processed signal of the output of a sensor 42. During normal operation, the planet gear may produce a normal noise signal as recorded by the sensor 42. When the planet gear is damaged due to a broken tooth, for example, an abnormal noise signal is recorded by the sensor 42. The abnormal signal may comprise unique characteristics indicative of a damaged planet gear, for example.

[0160] FIG. 35 is a representation of a processed signal of the output of a sensor 42 that was filtered by four Band-pass filters, BPF1, BPF2, BPF3, and BPF4. The processed signal is represented within frequency bandwidths a₁, a₂, a₃, and a₄ that correspond to the bandwidths of the four Band-pass filters, BPF1, BPF2, BPF3, and BPF4. Various algorithms, as described above, can be applied to the processed signal of FIG. 35 to determine a damage/function status of the surgical instrument 10.

[0161] Like FIG. 33, FIG. 35 illustrates a graph of voltage amplitude versus frequency of the processed signal. The voltage amplitudes of the processed signal are represented by solid vertical lines. Within each of the bandwidths a₁, a₂, a₃, and a₄, the processed signal is evaluated within an expected range defined by an amplitude threshold and a sub-bandwidth threshold. Expected ranges E₁, E₂, E₃, and E₄ correspond to the bandwidths a₁, a₂, a₃, and a₄, respectively.

[0162] In the example illustrated in FIG. 35, a first event indicative of potential planet damage is observed. The observed first event includes a processed signal that comprises two voltage amplitude readings that are indicative of potential planet damage. The two voltage amplitude readings are a first voltage amplitude reading that exceeds the expected range E₁ at the center frequency of the bandwidth a₁, and a second voltage amplitude reading at a frequency that falls between but outside the bandwidths a₁ and a₂. A first algorithm may be configured to recognize the observed event as indicative of potential planet damage. The processor 36 may employ the first algorithm to conclude that potential planet damage is detected.

[0163] Also, in the example illustrated in FIG. 35, a second event indicative of a unique potential damage in connection with a hub of the surgical instrument 10 is observed. The second event includes a processed signal that comprises a voltage amplitude reading that falls below the expected voltage amplitude threshold at the center frequency of the bandwidth a₂. In addition, the processed signal comprises voltage amplitude readings Z₁ and Z₂ that exceed the baseline threshold value 60, and are within the bandwidth a₂, but fall outside the sub-bandwidth threshold of the Expected range E₂. A second algorithm may be configured to recognize the observed second event as indicative of a unique potential damage. The processor 36 may employ the second algorithm to conclude that potential damage in connection with a hub of the surgical instrument 10 is detected.

[0164] Also, in the example illustrated in FIG. 35, a third event indicative of potential debris indicative of wear associated with one or more components of the surgical instrument 10 is observed. The third event includes a processed signal that comprises a voltage amplitude reading that exceeds the expected voltage amplitude threshold at the center frequency of the bandwidth a₄. A third algorithm may be configured to recognize the observed third event as indicative of potential debris. The processor 36 may employ the third algorithm to evaluate the severity of the potential debris based on the difference between the observed voltage amplitude and the expected voltage amplitude threshold, for example.

[0165] While various details have been set forth in the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that the various aspects of the mechanisms for compensating for drivetrain failure in powered surgical instruments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, for conciseness and clarity selected aspects have been shown in block diagram form rather than in detail. Some portions of the detailed descriptions provided herein may be presented in terms of instructions that operate on data that is stored in a computer memory. Such descriptions and representations are used by those skilled in the art to describe and convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. In general, an algorithm refers to a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result, where a “step” refers to a manipulation of physical quantities which may, though need not necessarily, take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It is common usage to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like. These and similar terms may be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities.

[0166] Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the foregoing discussion, it is appreciated that, throughout the foregoing description, discussions using terms such as “processing” or “computing” or “calculating” or “determining” or “displaying” or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

[0167] It is worthy to note that any reference to “one aspect” or “an aspect,” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one aspect” or “in an aspect” in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same aspect. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

[0168] Although various aspects have been described herein, many modifications, variations, substitutions, changes, and equivalents to those aspects may be implemented and will occur to those skilled in the art. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used. It is therefore to be understood that the foregoing description and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations as falling within the scope of the disclosed aspects. The following claims are intended to cover all such modification and variations.

[0169] Some or all of the aspects described herein may generally comprise technologies for mechanisms for compensating for drivetrain failure in powered surgical instruments, or otherwise according to technologies described herein. In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various aspects described herein which can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof can be viewed as being composed of various types of “electrical circuitry.” Consequently, as used herein “electrical circuitry” includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of random access memory), and/or electrical circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electrical equipment). Those having skill in the art will recognize that the subject matter described herein may be implemented in an analog or digital fashion or some combination thereof.

[0170] The foregoing detailed description has set forth various aspects of the devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will be understood by those within the art that each function and/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one aspect, several portions of the subject matter described herein may be implemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or other integrated formats. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that some aspects of the aspects disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in integrated circuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmware would be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative aspect of the subject matter described herein applies regardless of the particular type of signal bearing medium used to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearing medium include, but are not limited to, the following: a recordable type medium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer memory, etc.; and a transmission type medium such as a digital and/or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless communication link (e.g., transmitter, receiver, transmission logic, reception logic, etc.), etc.).

[0171] All of the above-mentioned U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications, non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in any Application Data Sheet, or any other disclosure material are incorporated herein by reference, to the extent not inconsistent herewith. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

[0172] One skilled in the art will recognize that the herein described components (e.g., operations), devices, objects, and the discussion accompanying them are used as examples for the sake of conceptual clarity and that various configuration modifications are contemplated. Consequently, as used herein, the specific exemplars set forth and the accompanying discussion are intended to be representative of their more general classes. In general, use of any specific exemplar is intended to be representative of its class, and the non-inclusion of specific components (e.g., operations), devices, and objects should not be taken limiting.

[0173] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations are not expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[0174] The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures may be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected,” or “operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being “operably couplable,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or physically interacting components, and/or wirelessly interactable, and/or wirelessly interacting components, and/or logically interacting, and/or logically interactable components.

[0175] Some aspects may be described using the expression “coupled” and “connected” along with their derivatives. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. For example, some aspects may be described using the term “connected” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. In another example, some aspects may be described using the term “coupled” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. The term “coupled,” however, also may mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

[0176] In some instances, one or more components may be referred to herein as “configured to,” “configurable to,” “operable/operative to,” “adapted/adaptable,” “able to,” “conformable/conformed to,” etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that “configured to” can generally encompass active-state components and/or inactive-state components and/or standby-state components, unless context requires otherwise.

[0177] While particular aspects of the subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that when a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

[0178] In addition, even when a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that typically a disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms unless context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be typically understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

[0179] With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will appreciate that recited operations therein may generally be performed in any order. Also, although various operational flows are presented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternate orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms like “responsive to,” “related to,” or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context dictates otherwise.

[0180] In certain cases, use of a system or method may occur in a territory even when components are located outside the territory. For example, in a distributed computing context, use of a distributed computing system may occur in a territory even though parts of the system may be located outside of the territory (e.g., relay, server, processor, signal-bearing medium, transmitting computer, receiving computer, etc. located outside the territory).

[0181] A sale of a system or method may likewise occur in a territory even when components of the system or method are located and/or used outside the territory. Further, implementation of at least part of a system for performing a method in one territory does not preclude use of the system in another territory.

[0182] Although various aspects have been described herein, many modifications, variations, substitutions, changes, and equivalents to those aspects may be implemented and will occur to those skilled in the art. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used. It is therefore to be understood that the foregoing description and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations as falling within the scope of the disclosed aspects. The following claims are intended to cover all such modification and variations.

[0183] In summary, numerous benefits have been described which result from employing the concepts described herein. The foregoing description of the one or more aspects has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to the precise form disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The one or more aspects were chosen and described in order to illustrate principles and practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the various aspects and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the claims submitted herewith define the overall scope.

[0184] Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are set out in the following numbered clauses:

[0185] 1. An apparatus for affecting tissue, comprising an end effector configured to interact with a tissue; and a surgical instrument, comprising one or more drivetrains configured to drive a plurality of gear components in order to perform operations of the surgical instrument; and one or more vibration sensors positioned relative to the one or more drivetrains of the surgical instrument to sense and record vibration information from the one or more drivetrains of the surgical instrument, wherein the one or more vibration sensors are configured to generate an output signal based on the vibration information, and wherein the output signal is used to determine a status of the surgical instrument.

[0186] 2. The apparatus of clause 1, further comprising at least one frequency filter configured to receive the output signal of the one or more vibration sensors, wherein the at least one frequency filter is configured to generate a filtered signal based on the received output signal.

[0187] 3. The apparatus of any one of clauses 1-2, further comprising a memory storing predetermined threshold values; and a processor in communication with the at least one frequency filter.

[0188] 4. The apparatus of any one of clauses 1-3, wherein the memory includes program instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to generate a processed signal based on the filtered signal.

[0189] 5. The apparatus of any one of clauses 1-4, wherein the memory includes program instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to employ a fast Fourier transform to develop the processed signal.

[0190] 6. The apparatus of any one of clauses 1-4, wherein the program instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to compare the predetermined threshold values to corresponding values of the processed signal.

[0191] 7. The apparatus of any one of clauses 1-6, wherein the program instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to detect a malfunction of the surgical instrument when the predetermined threshold values are equal to or less than the corresponding values of the processed signal.

[0192] 8. The apparatus of any one of clauses 1-3, wherein the predetermined threshold values are generated from a test output signal of the one or more vibration sensors.

[0193] 9. The apparatus of any clause 8, wherein the test output signal is based on test vibration information recorded by the one or more vibration sensors during a testing procedure of the surgical instrument.

[0194] 10. The apparatus of any one of clauses 1-3, wherein the predetermined threshold values are generated from a previously processed signal.

[0195] 11. A method for assessing performance of a surgical instrument including one or more drivetrains, the method comprising sensing via one or more vibration sensors vibrations generated during operation of the one or more drivetrains of the surgical instrument; generating an output signal based on the sensed vibrations; filtering the output signal to generate a filtered signal of the vibrations from the one or more drivetrains; processing the filtered signal to generate a processed signal of the vibrations from the one or more drivetrains; comparing predetermined threshold values to corresponding values of the processed signal; and detecting a malfunction of the surgical instrument when the predetermined threshold values are equal to or less than the corresponding values of the processed signal.

[0196] 12. The method of clause 11, wherein the predetermined threshold values are generated from a test output signal.

[0197] 13. The method of any one of clauses 11-12, wherein the test output signal is based on vibrations sensed by the one or more vibration sensors during a testing procedure of the surgical instrument.

[0198] 14. The method of any one of clauses 11-13, wherein the predetermined threshold values are generated from a previously processed signal.

[0199] 15. The method of any one of clauses 11-14, wherein processing the filtered signal comprises using a fast Fourier transform.

[0200] 16. A surgical stapler, comprising a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples deployable into tissue; at least one drive mechanism operable to deploy the plurality of staples into the tissue during a firing sequence of the surgical stapler; and one or more vibration sensors configured to record vibrations generated by the at least one drive mechanism, wherein the one or more vibration sensors are configured to generate an output signal based on the sensed vibrations, and wherein the output signal is used to determine a status of the at least one drive mechanism.

[0201] 17. The surgical stapler of clause 16, further comprising at least one frequency filter configured to receive the output signal of the one or more vibration sensors, wherein the at least one frequency filter is configured to generate a filtered signal based on the received output signal.

[0202] 18. The surgical stapler of any one of clauses 16-17, further comprising a memory storing predetermined threshold values; and a processor in communication with the at least one frequency filter.

[0203] 19. The surgical stapler of any one of clauses 16-18, wherein the memory includes program instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to generate a processed signal based on the filtered signal.

[0204] 20. The surgical stapler of any one of clauses 16-19, wherein the memory includes program instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to employ a fast Fourier transform to develop the processed signal.