Hydraulic Reciprocating Drive for Surgical Stapling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling devices face challenges in efficiently transferring power to end effectors, particularly in endoscopic procedures, due to mechanical inefficiencies and the need for substantial manual force, which complicates precise control and is not suitable for flexible shafted instruments.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling device with a reciprocating drive mechanism that uses hydraulic actuation to transfer force from a control assembly to the end effector, eliminating the need for a drive band and allowing for oscillating motion with high-speed piston movement within a confined range, enabling effective clamping and stapling without manual input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If mechanical drive systems with drive bands are used to transfer power to end effectors, then manual force can be applied directly, but mechanical inefficiencies occur and precise control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical drive band system with a hydraulic actuation system. The hydraulic cylinder converts linear motion of the piston rod into rotational motion of the drive shaft, eliminating mechanical inefficiencies associated with drive bands while maintaining precise control through hydraulic pressure regulation and controlled fluid flow to the piston.
2Force
If substantial manual force is applied to drive the stapler pusher, then cutting and stapling can be achieved, but the device becomes unsuitable for flexible shafted instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic actuation system where hydraulic fluid under pressure drives a piston within a cylinder. This hydraulic mechanism generates substantial force required for cutting and stapling operations while being compact enough to fit within flexible shafted endoscopic instruments, thereby maintaining both force capability and adaptability.
3Productivity
If a reciprocating drive mechanism with oscillating motion is used, then power transmission efficiency increases, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes dynamic reciprocating motion of the piston rod within the hydraulic cylinder to convert linear oscillating motion into rotational motion of the drive shaft. This dynamic mechanism achieves high power transmission efficiency through controlled back-and-forth piston movement while the integrated hydraulic system manages the complexity through fluid pressure control rather than complex mechanical linkages.
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
This solution enhances power transmission efficiency, reduces the need for manual force, and allows for precise control, making it suitable for both rigid and flexible shafted instruments, including endoscopic procedures, thereby improving surgical precision and reducing patient trauma.
Implementation Method 1
a reciprocating drive mechanism that uses hydraulic actuation to transfer force from a control assembly to the end effector
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical stapling device comprises a first jaw, a second jaw having an open position and a closed position with respect to the first jaw, a carriage, a driver, and an actuator configured to reciprocate the driver at a high rate with respect to the first and second jaws to translate the carriage with respect to the first and second jaws.