Interlock Assembly Relocation for Surgical Stapler Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The sterilization and cleaning of surgical stapling devices are complicated due to the location of interlock assembly components on elongated bodies or adapter assemblies, making it difficult to maintain hygiene and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The interlock assembly is relocated to the replaceable loading units, featuring a shell member with a cylindrical portion and a pivotally secured collar member that includes a locking shelf and tab system for secure attachment to the surgical stapling instrument, allowing for easy detachment and disposal of used units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If interlock assembly components are located on the elongated bodies or adapter assemblies, then secure attachment of loading units is achieved, but sterilization and cleaning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock assembly components (cylindrical portion, collar member, locking shelf, locking tab) are extracted from the elongated body/adapter assembly and relocated to the loading unit. This extraction eliminates the need to sterilize these components as part of the expensive reusable system, reducing sterilization complexity while maintaining attachment security through the same interlocking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock assembly components are integrated into the disposable loading unit rather than the reusable adapter assembly. Since loading units are designed for single-use and disposal, the interlock components on these units do not require sterilization, simplifying the overall sterilization process while maintaining reliable attachment during use.
2Device complexity
If interlock assembly components are relocated to loading units, then sterilization process is simplified, but attachment mechanism reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock assembly is extracted and placed on the loading unit, which simplifies sterilization but requires ensuring attachment reliability through proper design of the interlock components themselves on the disposable unit.
Solution Approach 2:
By placing interlock components on the disposable loading unit, the system accepts that these components will be discarded after single use, eliminating sterilization needs while maintaining full attachment functionality during the operational period.
3Ease of operation
If collar member is pivotally secured to cylindrical portion, then easy detachment is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collar member is designed with pivotal movement capability, transitioning from a static connection to a dynamic one that allows easy attachment and detachment through pivoting motion, despite the increased manufacturing precision needed for the pivotal joint.
Data Source
AI summary
A loading unit including interlock assembly for attaching the loading unit to a surgical stapling instrument is provided. The interlock assembly is formed on a proximal end of a shell member and includes a collar member pivotally secured to the shell member. The collar member selectively secures the shell member to the adapter assembly.