Auto-lock Mechanism for Surgical Staplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical stapling devices lack an effective internal mechanism to prevent accidental re-firing after initial use, which can lead to tissue damage and compromise surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling device with an auto-lock safety mechanism that includes a slider assembly and a stopper, where the slider is initially locked by a biasing member and automatically re-locks the firing trigger after use, preventing a second actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual external latch is used to prevent inadvertent actuation, then the device can be locked before use, but the latch requires manual operation to relock after firing, creating risk of accidental re-firing
Solution Approach 1:
The slider assembly automatically performs the locking function after firing without requiring manual intervention. The biasing member urges the slider to automatically block the trigger mechanism following staple deployment, eliminating the need for manual relocking and preventing accidental re-firing
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automatic feedback through the slider assembly that detects when stapling is complete and subsequently blocks further trigger actuation. This feedback mechanism ensures the device cannot be re-fired until the slider is manually reset, providing clear operational status indication
2Productivity
If the firing trigger is made easily accessible for quick actuation, then surgical efficiency is improved, but the risk of accidental double-firing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slider assembly is pre-positioned to block the trigger mechanism, and automatically engages to prevent further actuation immediately after firing. This preliminary blocking action counteracts any potential accidental re-firing before it can occur, while allowing intentional single firing when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The slider assembly acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the trigger and the firing mechanism. It mediates the trigger action by allowing one complete stroke while blocking subsequent strokes, thus protecting against harmful re-firing while maintaining surgical efficiency
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 auto-lock safety mechanism ensures the firing trigger is securely locked after initial use, preventing accidental re-firing and enhancing the safety and success of surgical procedures by providing a visual and auditory indication of completion.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is positioned to urge the slider towards the first position
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapling device (10) is provided that includes a handle assembly (12), a movable trigger (26) and an elongated body portion (14). A staple containing shell assembly (22) is mounted on a distal end of the elongated body portion (14) and an anvil assembly (20) is movably mounted relative to the staple containing shell assembly (22). An auto-lock safety mechanism (40) is provided to prevent secondary actuation of the surgical stapling device after initial actuation. The auto-lock safety mechanism (40) includes a primary lock or slider assembly (42) for blocking movement of the trigger (26) and a secondary lock or stopper (44) for blocking movement of the slider assembly (42) prior to approximation of the anvil assembly (20) relative to the staple containing shell assembly (22). A slider (70) is urged to a locked or blocking position by a biasing member (72).