Cam Ring Actuator Release for Surgical Loading Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments face challenges in efficiently and easily attaching and removing loading units, which affects usability and reliability during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument design featuring a shell assembly with a staple pusher, knife carrier, and cam ring mechanism that allows for axial displacement and rotational engagement/disengagement, enabling easy attachment and detachment of the loading unit from the adapter assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional fixed loading unit design is used, then the surgical instrument structure is simple, but the attachment and removal of loading units is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The loading unit is divided into separable components (loading unit and adapter assembly) that can be independently attached and detached. The cam ring mechanism is further segmented into engagement and disengagement states, allowing controlled connection and separation without requiring complex fastening procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam ring is designed as a movable component that can rotate between engaged and disengaged positions. This dynamic element transforms the static connection into a controllable, reversible state, enabling easy attachment and removal while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
2Reliability
If the loading unit is designed for secure engagement, then reliability is improved, but the detachment process becomes complex and requires significant relative movement
Solution Approach 1:
The cam ring is pre-positioned in an engaged state that automatically secures the loading unit to the adapter assembly upon attachment. This preliminary engagement action ensures reliable connection without requiring additional securing steps, and the same cam ring structure enables straightforward detachment through rotation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the staple and knife mechanisms are coupled, then the device structure is simplified, but independent operation and separate replacement are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument system is segmented into functionally independent modules: the staple mechanism (staple actuator, staple pusher) and the knife mechanism (knife carrier, knife member) are controlled separately through independent actuation. This allows selective operation of each function and independent replacement of the loading unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for both staple and knife mechanisms, enables independent actuation of each function, and facilitates universal compatibility with different loading unit configurations while maintaining separate control pathways.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a shell assembly and an adapter. The shell assembly includes a shell housing, a plurality of staples, a staple pusher, a staple actuator configured to engage the staple pusher, a knife member, and a knife carrier supporting the knife member. The adapter includes a staple band operatively coupled to an actuation mechanism for axial displacement, a knife band at least partially received within the staple band, and a cam ring rotatably supported about the knife band. The staple band is configured to releasably engage the staple actuator. The knife band is operatively coupled with an actuation mechanism for axial displacement. The cam ring is rotatable between an engaged position in which the knife carrier engages the cam ring for concomitant axial displacement with the knife band and a disengaged position in which the knife carrier is disengaged from the cam ring.