Articulation Joint Unlocking Feature for Surgical Stapler End Effector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical staplers lack an efficient mechanism for articulating the end effector to reach tissue at varying angles, limiting their ability to effectively clamp and staple tissue in complex anatomical positions without requiring constant manual adjustment or separate locking features.
Innovation Solution
The surgical stapling instrument incorporates an articulation section and control knob that allows the end effector to articulate laterally and rotate relative to the shaft, enabling it to reach tissue at desired angles, with locking features that maintain the articulation position without requiring additional manual bias or separate locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the end effector is made fixed and non-articulated, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to reach tissue at varying angles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamic articulated system that can change its configuration. The articulation joint allows the end effector to pivot between a first configuration (aligned with shaft) and a second configuration (laterally deflected), enabling adaptation to different tissue positions while maintaining manageable complexity through a single joint design
2Adaptability or versatility
If the articulation joint is made freely movable, then the adaptability to reach tissue at desired angles is improved, but the stability of maintaining articulation position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation joint incorporates a locking mechanism that automatically maintains the selected configuration without requiring continuous external intervention. When the end effector is positioned in either the first or second configuration, the locking mechanism engages to hold the position stable, while still allowing initial adjustment during setup
Solution Approach 2:
The joint transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic system that can lock in multiple positions. The locking mechanism provides stability when needed while allowing controlled movement during articulation adjustment, creating a system that adapts to different operational requirements
3Stability of the object's composition
If separate locking features are added to the articulation joint, then the stability of maintaining articulation position is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the articulation joint structure itself rather than being a separate independent component. The locking features are combined with the articulation joint elements, allowing the joint to provide both movement and positioning functions through a unified design that reduces overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and an articulation joint. The end effector is operable to manipulate (e.g., staple) tissue. The articulation joint couples the end effector with the shaft assembly and permits the end effector to deflect away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly. The articulation joint comprises a locking assembly, which is operable to selectively lock the angular position of the end effector relative to the longitudinal axis. The locking assembly comprises a first locking member and a second locking member. The first locking member is unitarily secured to the end effector. The second locking member is movable along a first axis to selectively engage the first locking member to thereby selectively lock the angular position of the end effector relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly. The first axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.