Active Roller Assembly for Articulating Stapler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staplers have limited articulation range, restricting their ability to access surgical sites effectively within body cavities during endoscopic procedures due to space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable drive assembly with a linkage system, including a rack gear, pinion, and I-beam, which allows for enhanced articulation of the tool assembly by translating rotational motion into longitudinal movement, enabling a wider range of motion within the body cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an articulation mechanism is added to the surgical stapler to enable the tool assembly to articulate, then the range of motion is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation mechanism is nested within the existing stapler structure. The articulation joint is positioned within the elongated body, and the linkage system components (rack gear, pinion, I-beam) are integrated into the drive assembly housing, allowing the articulation function to be embedded without significantly increasing external dimensions or overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive assembly serves multiple functions: it propels the I-beam forward for stapling operations and simultaneously controls the articulation of the tool assembly. The rack gear and pinion mechanism that drives the I-beam also rotates the articulation joint, combining two functions into a single integrated system.
2Ease of operation
If the tool assembly is articulated to access surgical sites better, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive assembly controls both I-beam propulsion and tool assembly articulation through a single integrated mechanism. The surgeon operates one system (the drive assembly) to achieve both functions, rather than controlling separate mechanisms, thereby maintaining ease of operation despite the added articulation capability.
3Productivity
If the I-beam is propelled through the tool assembly to eject staples, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion mechanism for the I-beam is merged with the articulation control mechanism. The same rack gear and pinion system that propels the I-beam forward also rotates the articulation joint, combining two drive functions into a single integrated mechanism rather than using separate systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables the surgical stapler to articulate over a larger range of motion, improving access and efficiency during surgical procedures by allowing the tool assembly to be advanced or retracted through the tool assembly, facilitating better tissue suturing and dissection.
Implementation Method 1
The rotatable drive member may include a longitudinally moveable rack gear and a pinion operably coupled to the rack gear. The longitudinal movement of the rack gear may impart rotational motion to the pinion.
Implementation Method 2
The linkage may include a pulley system.
Implementation Method 3
The linkage may include a belt.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapler is described herein which includes a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes: a rotatable drive member defining a transverse axis; a linkage operably coupled to the rotatable drive member defining a longitudinal axis; and an I-beam operably coupled to the linkage, configured to be advanced along the longitudinal axis in response to a rotational motion of the rotatable drive member.