E-Beam Surgical Stapler Firing Bar for Jaw Spacing and Articulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments face challenges in ensuring proper spacing between clamped jaws of an end effector, particularly when too little tissue is clamped, and in articulating the shaft for better surgical placement, while maintaining control over stapling and severing functions within the constraints of an endoscopic instrument.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a firing mechanism that includes an E-beam with a cutting edge, an upper and lower member, and a middle member to maintain vertical spacing between the elongate channel and anvil, and a thinned firing bar for articulation, allowing for consistent staple formation and flexibility during articulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a traditional firing mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but proper spacing between clamped jaws cannot be ensured when too little tissue is clamped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary spacing member (the firing bar with spacing features) that mediates between the anvil and the elongate channel to maintain proper spacing. This spacing member acts as a mediator that ensures consistent jaw spacing regardless of tissue clamping adequacy, resolving the contradiction by adding a controlled element rather than relying solely on tissue volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the firing bar by thinning its distal portion to create specific spacing features (recesses or reduced thickness regions) that define precise distances from the cutting edge. This parameter modification allows the firing mechanism to enforce spacing constraints while maintaining overall structural functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid shaft is used, then structural strength is maintained, but articulation flexibility for better surgical placement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is segmented into multiple articulation segments that can pivot relative to each other at articulation joints. This segmentation allows the shaft to bend and articulate to reach difficult surgical locations while each segment maintains sufficient strength, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure with movable joints. The articulation joints enable the shaft to adapt its configuration during surgery, providing versatility for surgical placement while the joint design maintains adequate strength through proper mechanical linkages
3Adaptability or versatility
If a thick firing bar is used, then structural strength is maintained, but articulation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The firing bar exhibits local quality variation with a thinned distal portion and a thicker proximal portion. The thinned distal section provides flexibility for articulation while the thicker proximal section maintains structural strength for force transmission, resolving the contradiction through spatially varying properties
Solution Approach 2:
The firing bar design incorporates dimensional variation along its length, transitioning from a thicker cross-section proximally to a thinner cross-section distally. This dimensional change allows the bar to satisfy both strength requirements (proximally) and articulation requirements (distally) simultaneously
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control motions are transferred through the shaft, then control functionality is comprehensive, but the shaft diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is designed as a multi-functional element that transfers multiple control motions (firing, articulation, closure) through a single structure rather than requiring separate dedicated structures for each function. This universality allows comprehensive control functionality while avoiding the diameter increase that would result from multiple separate control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple control functions are merged into the single shaft structure, with different control motions transmitted through the same shaft pathway. This merging approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components, maintaining a compact shaft diameter while providing comprehensive control capability
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. The surgical stapling instrument comprises an end effector attachable to an elongate shaft by an articulation joint. The surgical stapling instrument also comprises a longitudinally movable firing assembly comprising a firing bar and a firing member. The surgical stapling instrument further comprises a firing assembly lockout arrangement that is configured to engage a portion of the firing member to prevent distal advancement of the firing member unless an unfired staple cartridge is operably supported in the end effector. The surgical stapling instrument comprises means for applying a firing motion to the firing assembly to drive the firing member from a starting position to an ending position and means for applying a retraction motion to the firing assembly to return the firing member from the ending position to the starting position.