Electric Stapler With Independent Drive, Rotation, and Swing Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric endoscopic staplers lack intelligence in their operation, as all three functions (swing, rotation, and closing/firing) are driven by motors, leading to suboptimal performance and requiring manual dexterity from the doctor.

Innovation Solution

An electric stapler with independent main drive, rotating, and swing assemblies, each driven by a motor and gear assembly, allowing for intelligent operation through a control system with guide buttons for one-handed use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If all three operations (swing, rotation, closing/firing) are driven by motors, then the stapler should be fully automated, but the current implementation is not intelligent enough and requires manual dexterity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stapler is divided into three independent motor-driven assemblies: swing assembly (driving oscillation), rotating assembly (driving rotation), and main driving assembly (driving closing and firing). Each assembly operates independently under electronic control, achieving full automation while maintaining operational simplicity through button control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electronic control system that coordinates three motors. The control system receives signals from guide buttons and automatically controls the swing, rotation, and firing sequences, substituting complex manual mechanical coordination with electronic automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If manual endoscopic stapler is used, then the structure is simpler, but it requires certain requirements for the doctor's actual operating skills and may cause pulling and tearing of tissues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidtissue damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical stapling with an electrically controlled system that automates the closing and firing processes. The main driving assembly controls the cartridge assembly's movement precisely, eliminating the pulling and tearing issues associated with manual operation while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The stapler performs self-adjustment and self-execution of the stapling process through automated control. The system automatically coordinates the swing, rotation, and firing actions without requiring manual dexterity, making the device self-sufficient in performing the surgical task reliably.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Extent of automation

If electric stapler with multiple motor assemblies is implemented, then full automation is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintelligent operation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of assemblies
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex automated system is segmented into three functional modules (swing assembly, rotating assembly, main driving assembly), each with its own motor and gear assembly. This modular segmentation manages complexity by organizing functions into independent, manageable units that can be controlled separately yet coordinated electronically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Facilitates efficient and easy operation by the doctor, reducing the complexity and time required for surgical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

a rotational motion is converted into a linear motion through the firing gear, the firing driven gear, the firing rack

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical transmission: Gear

Implementation Method 2

the firing driven gear is engaged with the firing rack, when the firing motor rotates forward or reversely according to a main control instruction, a rotational motion is converted into a linear motion through the firing gear, the firing driven gear, the firing rack

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRack and pinion mechanism: Rack and Pinion

Implementation Method 3

the rotating assembly comprises a motor and a gear assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear transmission: Gear

Implementation Method 4

the swing driven gear and the swing screw are spirally matched, the swing motor rotates to drive the swing screw to move back and forth through the swing drive gear and the swing driven gear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP4691380A1Electric stapler
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 B J ZH F PANTHER MEDICAL EQUIP
  • EP4691380A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4691380A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4691380A1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

An electric stapler comprises a main drive assembly, a rotating assembly and a swing assembly; the main drive assembly is used for driving an actuator to perform closing, stapling and retracting, the rotating assembly is used for driving the actuator to rotate 360 degrees, the swing assembly is used for driving the actuator to swing left and right; wherein, all the main drive assembly, the rotating assembly and the swing assembly comprise a motor and a gear assembly; the main drive assembly, the rotating assembly and the swing assembly can independently operate, and do not affect each other during operation. The main drive assembly, the rotating assembly and the swing assembly are configured to be electric assemblies, thereby improving the surgical efficiency, reducing the operation difficulty of doctors.