Anvil Locking Mechanism for Stable Tissue Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical devices face challenges in maintaining sufficient tissue compression during cutting and stapling, leading to incomplete fastening and increased therapy time or the need for additional interventions.

Innovation Solution

A tissue fastening device with a locking mechanism that includes a ramp and clip system to secure the anvil in a closed position, ensuring consistent tissue compression and alignment during stapling and cutting procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If proximal movement alone of a flexible pulling mechanism is used to close the anvil, then the device structure remains simple, but sufficient tissue compression during stapling and cutting cannot be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue compression forceVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anvil is designed to dynamically transition between open and closed positions through proximal movement, with the locking mechanism engaging only when compression force is sufficient. The ramp structure allows the anvil to slide dynamically along it during closing, and the locking pin engages/disengages dynamically based on the anvil's position, providing force only when needed rather than continuous locking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is self-activating through the anvil's own proximal movement. As the anvil moves proximally under tissue compression, it automatically engages the locking pin with the ramp structure, which then maintains the closed position without requiring additional actuation. The system uses the force generated during normal operation to activate its own locking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to maintain anvil compression, then tissue compression reliability improves, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanvil closed position stabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex multi-component mechanical locking systems with a simplified geometry-based solution. The ramp structure uses its angled surface geometry to provide mechanical advantage and maintain the anvil in the closed position. The locking pin simply engages with the ramp's surface rather than requiring intricate cam mechanisms or multiple interlocking parts, achieving reliable locking with minimal structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If the anvil is locked in closed position during stapling, then stapling accuracy improves, but additional medical procedures may be required to unlock and reset the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestapling precisionVSAvoiddevice reset ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism maintains continuous engagement during the entire stapling and cutting procedure, ensuring the anvil remains firmly locked in the closed position throughout multiple surgical actions. The ramp structure provides continuous mechanical support, and the locking pin remains engaged throughout the procedure, eliminating the need for intermediate adjustments or resets during surgery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring active unlocking mechanisms or additional steps to reset the anvil, the system is designed so that releasing the tissue compression force automatically causes the anvil to move distally and disengage the locking pin from the ramp. The unlocking action is inverted - rather than requiring positive action to release, the system passively unlocks when the compressive force is removed, simplifying the reset process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 locking mechanism maintains anvil closure, enhancing the accuracy of tissue stapling and cutting, reducing therapy time, and minimizing the need for additional medical interventions.

Implementation Method 1

a ramp having a sloped surface angled toward a proximal end of the body... The proximal end of the anvil may be configured to engage and slide along the ramp as the anvil is moved in a proximal direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

a biasing mechanism extending within the body and connected to the locking pin, and wherein the biasing member may be configured to bias the locking pin toward the anvil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12629149B2Locking mechanisms for grasping devices and methods of use

Publication Date: 2026.05.19 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

A tissue fastening device includes a body including a plurality of sidewalls defining a channel, an anvil having a proximal end and a distal end and pivotally coupled to the body and the anvil moves between an open position and a closed position, and a locking mechanism to lock the anvil in the closed position.