Medical Stapler Cartridge Reattachment for Automatic Return

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional medical staplers with automatic return mechanisms increase complexity and part size, making it difficult for operators to recognize the return to the initial position, while manual return methods can be cumbersome and prone to oversight.

Innovation Solution

A medical stapler with a removable cartridge and injection mechanism that moves between initial and ejection positions, allowing easy recognition of return to the initial position through attachment and detachment of the cartridge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If an automatic return mechanism is used, then the suturing mechanism returns to the initial position automatically, but the number of constituent parts increases and the size of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic return to initial positionVSAvoidnumber of constituent parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge itself performs the return function by being reattached to the injection mechanism. The reattachment action automatically returns the injection mechanism to the initial position, eliminating the need for separate automatic return mechanisms. This is a self-service approach where the cartridge's reattachment process inherently completes the return function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The return function is merged with the cartridge reattachment process. By combining the return action with the necessary cartridge reattachment step, the system eliminates unnecessary separate return mechanisms. The cartridge's reattachment simultaneously accomplishes both loading and returning the injection mechanism to the initial position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Extent of automation

If an automatic return mechanism is used, then the suturing mechanism returns to the initial position automatically, but the size of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic return to initial positionVSAvoidsize of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge serves dual purposes: it is both the consumable component and the return mechanism. By making the cartridge itself the return mechanism through its reattachment action, the system avoids adding separate automatic return components, thereby controlling part size while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge is given multiple functions: it serves as the staple container and simultaneously as the return mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated return components, reducing overall part size while achieving automatic return capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a manipulator performs manipulation to return to the initial position, then the mechanism can be returned, but the number of manipulation steps increases and the manipulator may forget the manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual return to initial positionVSAvoidnumber of manipulation steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The return function is merged with the cartridge reattachment step. By combining these two actions into a single manipulator step, the system reduces the number of manipulation steps from two (separate return and loading steps) to one (simultaneous reattachment and return). This eliminates the risk of forgotten manipulations while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge is designed to automatically perform the return function when reattached. This preliminary action ensures that the return to initial position is completed automatically as part of the reattachment process, eliminating the need for separate manual return steps and preventing forgotten manipulations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Facilitates easy and reliable return of the suturing mechanism to the initial position, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the risk of missed steps.

Implementation Method 1

an injection mechanism connected to a distal end of the wire and configured to eject the staple from the cartridge, wherein the injection mechanism is movable from a first position that is an initial position to a second position where the staple is ejected according to advance and retraction of the wire

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250241640A1Medical stapler

Publication Date: 2025.07.31 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

A medical stapler provided at a distal end of an endoscope includes a wire extending in an axial direction of the endoscope and a staple release part having a cartridge configured to accommodate a staple and an injection mechanism connected to a distal end of the wire and configured to eject the staple from the cartridge. The cartridge is provided so that the cartridge is removably attached to the staple release part. The injection mechanism is movable from a first position that is an initial position to a second position where the staple is ejected by manipulating the wire. The injection mechanism is located at the second position when the cartridge is removed from the staple release part. The injection mechanism moves from the second position to the first position when the cartridge is attached to the staple release part.