Lead-Screw Actuation Assist for Uniform Linear Staple Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling devices face challenges in providing uniform staple formation along the entire length of the tool assembly and suffer from user fatigue during actuation.
Innovation Solution
A powered actuation assist is detachably coupled to the stapling device, incorporating a motor assembly, lead screw, and knob connector to impart axial displacement to the actuation knob, reducing user effort and ensuring uniform staple application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual actuation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but user fatigue increases and staple formation uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical actuation system with a powered actuation assist that includes a motor assembly, lead screw, and knob connector. This substitution eliminates user fatigue while providing consistent axial displacement to the actuation knob, ensuring uniform staple formation along the entire length of the tool assembly.
2Ease of operation
If powered actuation assist is added, then user fatigue is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The powered actuation assist is designed as a detachable module that can be coupled to or separated from the stapling device. This segmentation allows the powered components (motor assembly, lead screw, battery pack) to be independently housed in a separate housing, reducing the complexity of the main stapling device while providing optional powered assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The knob connector acts as an intermediary component that couples the lead screw to the actuation knob of the stapling device. This intermediary mechanism translates rotational motion from the lead screw into axial displacement of the actuation knob, bridging the powered system and the manual device interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If detachable coupling is used, then adaptability is improved, but connection reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling arm is designed with multiple engagement points and features that can accommodate different stapling device configurations. The first and second portions with their respective recesses allow the powered actuation assist to couple with various half sections, providing universal adaptability while maintaining secure connections through multiple contact points.
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
The powered actuation assist enhances staple formation uniformity and reduces user fatigue by providing mechanical assistance for staple ejection, improving surgical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a lead screw operatively coupled to the motor assembly, a knob connector coupled to the lead screw such that rotation of the lead screw causes axial displacement of the knob connector
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical kit includes a stapling device and a powered actuation assist detachably couplable to the stapling device. The stapling device includes an anvil half section, a cartridge receiving half section, and a firing assembly including an actuation knob movable along a length of the cartridge receiving half section. The powered actuation assist includes a motor assembly, a lead screw operatively coupled to the motor assembly, a knob connector coupled to the lead screw, a battery pack, and a first switch electrically coupled to the motor to activate the motor. The knob connector is configured to detachably engage the actuation knob of the stapling device to impart axial displacement to the actuation knob. Actuation of the motor assembly imparts rotation to the lead screw, which, in turn, causes axial displacement of the actuation knob of the firing assembly.