Rotatable linear actuation mechanism

A surgical instrument, comprising:

• (a) an end effector;
• (b) a shaft assembly proximally extending from the end effector and defining a longitudinal axis, wherein the shaft assembly includes a first elongate member connected to a select one or both of the end effector and the shaft assembly;
• and
• (c) a first actuator operatively connected to the shaft assembly, including:
• (i) a first driven portion configured to be translatably driven by a first drive portion, and
• (ii) a first adjustable coupling configured to selectively couple the first elongate member in tension relative to the first driven portion in a select one of a first proximal position and a first distal position, wherein the first elongate member coupled in the first distal position has relatively less tension, and wherein the first elongate member coupled in the first proximal position has relatively more tension,
• wherein the first driven portion has a first rack gear.

A surgical instrument, comprising:

• (a) an end effector;
• (b) a shaft assembly proximally extending from the end effector and defining a longitudinal axis, wherein the shaft assembly includes a first elongate member connected to a select one or both of the end effector and the shaft assembly;
• (c) a first actuator operatively connected to the shaft assembly, including:
• (i) a first driven portion configured to be translatably driven by a first drive portion, and
• (ii) a first adjustable coupling configured to selectively couple the first elongate member in tension relative to the first driven portion in a select one of a first proximal position and a first distal position, wherein the first elongate member coupled in the first distal position has relatively less tension, and wherein the first elongate member coupled in the first proximal position has relatively more tension;
• and
• (d) a second actuator operatively connected to the shaft assembly, including:
• (i) a second driven portion configured to be translatably driven by a second drive portion, and
• (ii) a second adjustable coupling configured to selectively couple the second elongate member in tension relative to the second driven portion in a select one of a second proximal position and a second distal position, wherein the second elongate member coupled in the second distal position has relatively less tension, and wherein the second elongate member coupled in the second proximal position has relatively more tension.