Adapter Assembly Locking Mechanism for Surgical Trocar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling devices lack a reliable mechanism for securely and easily attaching and detaching trocar assemblies, which complicates sterilization and cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
A reusable adapter assembly with a locking mechanism that includes a retainer member with engagement posts and ramp members, allowing for secure attachment and easy detachment of the trocar assembly within a sleeve, facilitating efficient cleaning and sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the trocar assembly is permanently attached to the sleeve, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ease of cleaning and sterilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable components: the trocar assembly and the adapter assembly with sleeve. The locking mechanism enables secure attachment during use but allows easy separation for cleaning and sterilization. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both structural integrity during operation and ease of cleaning when separated.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states, dynamically changing the connection between trocar assembly and sleeve. During surgery, the mechanism maintains a secure locked state for structural integrity. During cleaning/sterilization, the mechanism can be unlocked to separate components, facilitating ease of maintenance.
2Reliability
If the locking mechanism is complex, then the reliability of secure attachment is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the trocar assembly and sleeve, providing reliable attachment through engagement features (locking arms, slots, springs) while maintaining ease of operation through a simple user interface (actuator or button that triggers detachment). The intermediary translates simple user input into reliable mechanical engagement/disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates spring-loaded arms and automatic engagement features that self-secure the trocar assembly to the sleeve without requiring complex manual operations. The mechanism automatically locks when components are assembled and can be easily unlocked with minimal user input, providing both reliability and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the retainer member is always engaged with the trocar assembly, then the security of the connection is improved, but the ease of removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer member dynamically transitions between engaged and disengaged states. During normal operation, the retainer member maintains engagement with the trocar assembly through locking arms and slots, ensuring security of connection. When removal is needed, a simple actuation (pressing a button or moving an actuator) causes the retainer member to disengage, providing ease of removal. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between security and ease of removal.
Data Source
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AI summary
An adapter assembly for connecting a surgical loading unit to a handle assembly is provided. The adapter assembly includes a sleeve, a trocar assembly releasably securable within the sleeve, and a locking mechanism configured to releasably secure the trocar assembly within the sleeve.