Articulation Lock with Detenting Binary Spring for Surgical Staplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staplers lack efficient articulation mechanisms and motorized control systems that enable precise and reliable stapling and severing within confined surgical sites, particularly during endoscopic procedures, where manual dexterity is limited.
Innovation Solution
The development of an articulating surgical stapling instrument with a motorized drive system and advanced articulation joint locking features, allowing for precise control of the end effector's angle and position, and enabling efficient stapling and severing through a combination of E-beam firing mechanism and motorized translation of the firing beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual articulation control is used in endoscopic surgical instruments, then the device structure remains simple, but precision and reliability of stapling and severing deteriorate due to limited manual dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical articulation control with a motorized drive system. Motors are integrated into the articulation joint to automatically control the angle and position of the end effector, eliminating the need for manual dexterity while achieving precise stapling and severing in confined surgical sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation joint incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism with detent features that can selectively lock the articulation at specific angles. This allows the joint to transition between locked and unlocked states, enabling precise positioning and stable holding of the end effector at desired orientations during surgical procedures.
2Reliability
If an articulation locking mechanism is added to the surgical instrument, then the reliability of end effector positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into discrete detent features positioned at specific angular intervals around the articulation joint. Each detent corresponds to a predetermined locking angle, allowing the joint to be reliably positioned at multiple discrete orientations. This segmentation provides reliable positioning without requiring a continuous complex control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation locking mechanism operates automatically through the interaction of detent features and corresponding engagement surfaces. The mechanism self-locks at predetermined angles without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, thereby improving reliability while minimizing added complexity.
3Productivity
If a motorized drive system is implemented, then productivity and procedural efficiency are improved, but the device complexity and energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized drive system is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both the articulation angle of the end effector and the actuation of the stapling and severing mechanisms. By using a single integrated motor system for multiple functions, the patent improves procedural efficiency while minimizing the increase in device complexity that would result from separate motors for each function.
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 instrument provides enhanced precision and reliability in stapling and severing within confined surgical sites, reducing manual dexterity requirements and improving procedural efficiency during endoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring which is configured to move the lock member toward the end effector
Data Source
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AI summary
A apparatus includes a shaft, an end effector, an articulation joint, and a locking feature. The end effector is pivotable from a first position to a second position. The end effector is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the shaft in the first position and angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft in the second position. The articulation joint couples the shaft with the end effector and pivots the end effector from the first position to the second position. The locking feature is coupled with the articulation joint and translates from a proximal position to a distal position. The locking feature locks the articulation joint when the locking feature is in the distal position.