Linear Surgical Stapler Clamping Assembly with Rotating Anvil Pin
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear surgical staplers face challenges in minimizing the frictional engagement required to clamp the stapler halves together, which increases the operational force needed during tissue clamping and stapling procedures.
Innovation Solution
The stapler design incorporates a stepped distal anvil pin that rotates when engaged by the clamp lever, reducing frictional engagement and minimizing the closing force required to clamp the stapler halves together.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clamp lever is designed to directly clamp the stapler halves together, then the clamping function is achieved, but high frictional engagement increases the operational force required
Solution Approach 1:
A cam surface is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the clamp lever and the anvil. The cam surface converts the closing motion into a rotating motion of the anvil, which reduces frictional engagement through rolling contact rather than sliding contact. This mediator element resolves the contradiction by enabling clamping function while minimizing the operational force required.
Solution Approach 2:
The anvil is designed with a rotating capability through the cam mechanism, transforming a static clamping interface into a dynamic rotating interface. This dynamic motion reduces friction during the clamping operation, allowing the clamp lever to close the stapler halves with less force while maintaining effective clamping throughout the firing cycle.
2Device complexity
If the anvil is fixed without rotation capability, then the structure is simple, but high friction increases the force needed to maintain clamping
Solution Approach 1:
The anvil is designed with a rotating capability through the cam mechanism, transforming a static clamping interface into a dynamic rotating interface. This dynamic motion reduces friction during the clamping operation, allowing the clamp lever to close the stapler halves with less force while maintaining effective clamping throughout the firing cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface incorporates curved geometric features that guide the rotation of the anvil. The curved cam profile transforms linear closing motion into rotational motion, enabling the anvil to rotate smoothly and reduce frictional engagement while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 design reduces the operational force needed to clamp the stapler halves, enhancing ease of use and efficiency during surgical procedures by minimizing frictional engagement.
Implementation Method 1
reducing frictional engagement and minimizing the closing force required to clamp the stapler halves together
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapler includes a first elongate member having a distal portion that supports an anvil surface, and a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to receive a staple cartridge. The stapler further includes a pin rotatably coupled with the first elongate member, and a clamp member movably coupled with the second elongate member. The clamp member is operable to releasably capture the pin to thereby clamp the first elongate member against the second elongate member. The pin is configured to rotate relative to the first elongate member in response to being captured by the clamp member.