Adapter Assembly Locking Mechanism for Surgical Loading Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical end effectors driven by linear force are not compatible with surgical devices using rotary motion, requiring complex adapter assemblies that are labor-intensive and costly to assemble, and lack effective locking mechanisms for secure coupling.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical surgical system with a handheld device, adapter assembly, and surgical loading unit featuring a single rotatable drive shaft, gear, and a locking mechanism that moves between unlocked and locked positions to securely attach the loading unit to the adapter, using a spring-biased frame with transverse slots and pins for alignment and engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex adapter assemblies with multiple parts are used to interface linear-driven end effectors with rotary-driven surgical devices, then compatibility between different drive systems is achieved, but assembly labor and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adapter assembly and locking mechanism into an integrated unit. The adapter assembly includes a drive shaft, gear, and locking mechanism as unified components that work together as a single functional module, reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining compatibility between linear-driven end effectors and rotary-driven surgical devices
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it adapts the rotary motion from the surgical device to the linear-driven end effector, provides secure locking through the locking mechanism, and enables easy attachment and detachment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex adapter assemblies with multiple parts are used to interface linear-driven end effectors with rotary-driven surgical devices, then compatibility between different drive systems is achieved, but assembly time and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the adapter assembly and locking mechanism into an integrated unit with fewer separate parts, the patent reduces the time required for assembly. The unified structure eliminates the need to assemble multiple independent components, directly reducing assembly time while maintaining the required compatibility functionality
3Device complexity
If simple adapter assemblies with fewer parts are used, then manufacturing cost and assembly complexity are reduced, but reliable secure coupling between adapter and end effector cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock the adapter assembly to the end effector without requiring additional tools or complex assembly steps. The self-locking feature ensures reliable secure coupling while maintaining a simple structure with fewer parts, as the locking function is integrated into the adapter assembly itself
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
Simplifies the assembly process, reduces manufacturing costs, and ensures secure coupling between the surgical loading unit and adapter assembly, enabling compatibility with rotary-driven surgical devices while maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The locking mechanism may be biased to the unlocked position by a spring
Data Source
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AI summary
An electromechanical surgical system includes an electromechanical surgical device, an adapter assembly, and a surgical loading unit. The adapter assembly includes a rotatable drive sleeve configured to receive a rotatable drive connector of the surgical device, a single rotatable drive shaft rotatably connected to the drive sleeve, and a gear disposed around a distal end of the drive shaft. The loading unit includes a cartridge jaw including a mounting portion defining a receiving channel, a power screw disposed within the receiving channel, a gear member mounted on a proximal portion of the power screw and operably engagable with the gear of the adapter assembly, and a locking mechanism disposed within the mounting portion for locking the loading unit to the adapter assembly that is movable between an unlocked position when the cartridge jaw is free of a cartridge and a locked position when a cartridge is loaded therein.