US 11,717,355 B2
Drive mechanisms for surgical instruments such as for use in robotic surgical systems
Kurt J. Anglese, Lafayette, CO (US); and Zachary S. Heiliger, Nederland, CO (US)
Assigned to Covidien LP, Mansfield, MA (US)
Filed by COVIDIEN LP, Mansfield, MA (US)
Filed on Jan. 29, 2019, as Appl. No. 16/260,477.
Prior Publication US 2020/0237453 A1, Jul. 30, 2020
Int. Cl. A61B 34/30 (2016.01); A61B 34/00 (2016.01); A61B 17/29 (2006.01); A61B 17/00 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 34/30 (2016.02) [A61B 17/29 (2013.01); A61B 34/71 (2016.02); A61B 2017/00398 (2013.01); A61B 2017/2926 (2013.01); A61B 2034/305 (2016.02)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A gearbox assembly for a surgical instrument, comprising:
a drive gear including a lead screw, the drive gear configured to receive a rotational input to rotate the lead screw;
a first hub threadingly engaged about the lead screw such that rotation of the lead screw translates the first hub therealong, the first hub including a first retainer guide;
a second hub axially aligned with, and spaced-apart from, the first hub, the second hub including a second retainer guide;
a guide bar slidably received within the first and second retainer guides of the first and second hubs;
a drive rod engaged with the second hub; and
a compression spring disposed between the first and second hubs, at least a portion of the compression spring disposed around a portion of the lead screw,
wherein, when a force acting against translation of the drive rod is below a threshold, the rotational input translates the first hub to, in turn, translate the compression spring to, in turn, translate the second hub and the drive rod, and
wherein, when the force acting against translation of the drive rod is equal to or above the threshold, the rotational input translates the first hub to, in turn, compress the compression spring against the second hub while the second hub and drive rod are maintained in position.