Flexible Knife Drive Beam Gear Mechanism for 90-Degree Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling apparatuses lack directional articulation of about 90 degrees without compromising their functionality, which is essential for precise tissue manipulation during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical apparatus featuring a handle assembly, an elongated body with a pivotally supported tool assembly, and a flexible drive assembly that includes a gear drive mechanism to enable independent movement of the tool assembly between aligned and angled positions, allowing for one-directional articulation of up to 90 degrees while maintaining mechanical advantage and reducing the risk of drive beam bulging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional rigid drive mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the articulation capability is limited and cannot achieve 90 degrees without compromising functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic drive mechanism where the flexible drive beam can bend and articulate through 90 degrees while maintaining drive functionality. The mechanism transitions from a rigid structure to a flexible, adaptable structure that can change its configuration during operation, enabling articulation without compromising the drive capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the drive beam by making it flexible rather than rigid. This parameter change allows the drive mechanism to accommodate 90-degree articulation while maintaining functional integrity. The flexible beam can deform elastically to achieve the required angular movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tool assembly articulates 90 degrees, then the versatility for tissue manipulation is improved, but the mechanical advantage and drive beam stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible drive beam dynamically adapts its shape during articulation, maintaining structural integrity through controlled elastic deformation. This dynamic behavior allows the beam to navigate 90-degree angles while preserving drive force transmission and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible drive beam that functions as a flexible structural element. This flexible component can bend and articulate through 90 degrees while maintaining sufficient stiffness to transmit drive forces reliably, preventing buckling or excessive deflection during operation.
3Productivity
If the knife drive beam travels quickly, then the productivity is improved, but the risk of drive assembly bulging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible drive beam is designed with appropriate flexibility and structural reinforcement to resist bulging during rapid knife advancement. The beam's flexural properties are optimized to maintain structural integrity at high speeds while still allowing necessary articulation movement.
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
Enables precise and efficient application of surgical staples with the capability for one-directional articulation of up to 90 degrees, reducing the exertion force required and increasing travel time for the knife drive beam, thus minimizing the likelihood of drive assembly bulging during articulation.
Implementation Method 1
The gear drive assembly may include a primary drive gear meshing with the flexible knife drive beam to effect the movement of the flexible drive member. The primary drive gear may be either driven directly by a rotating shaft or driven by various secondary drive gears.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongated body portion defining a first longitudinal axis, a tool assembly pivotally supported on the distal end of the elongated body portion to form a pivot axis, and a flexible drive assembly that includes a flexible drive member extending from a position proximal of the pivot axis to a position distal of the pivot axis. The drive member has a distal end which is movable in relation to the tool assembly and a gear drive assembly to enable movement of the distal end of the flexible drive member. The flexible drive assembly includes a flexible knife drive beam that advances or retracts via a primary drive gear meshing with the flexible knife drive beam to effect movement of the flexible knife drive beam.