Modular Stapling Assembly Axial Transmission Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling instruments lack efficient mechanisms for shifting power between drive systems, leading to complex gear alignments and potential misalignment during coupling, which can result in incomplete or improper tissue cutting and stapling.
Innovation Solution
A modular surgical instrument with a shiftable transmission assembly that includes a transmission carriage and a solenoid, allowing for axial movement between first and second drive positions, enabling seamless power transfer between drive systems and ensuring precise alignment of drive shafts with end effectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed transmission assembly is used in surgical stapling instruments, then the structure is simpler, but the gear alignment becomes complex and may result in misalignment during coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission assembly is designed with a movable carriage that can shift axially between first and second positions. This dynamic repositioning capability allows the drive shafts to be aligned with different end effectors (e.g., stapling vs. cutting functions), resolving the contradiction by making the transmission adaptable rather than fixed, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving precise alignment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drive systems are integrated into a single surgical instrument, then the functionality is more versatile, but the coupling alignment between drive shafts and end effectors becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission assembly is segmented into a movable carriage portion and a stationary housing portion. The carriage can be independently positioned to align with different end effectors, allowing each drive system to be selectively coupled. This segmentation enables versatile functionality while simplifying the coupling operation for each specific end effector.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable carriage acts as an intermediary between the multiple drive systems and the end effectors. By positioning the carriage in different axial locations, it mediates the alignment between drive shafts and various end effectors, making the coupling process easier while maintaining versatility.
3Measurement precision
If independent actuation of drive systems is implemented, then the operation precision is improved, but the transmission assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission assembly uses a dynamically positionable carriage that can be moved to different axial positions to engage with different drive systems. This dynamic positioning enables independent actuation of each drive system with precise control, while the overall structure remains relatively simple by using a single movable component rather than multiple complex mechanisms.
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 solution enables precise and efficient operation of surgical instruments by ensuring that the first and second drive systems are actuated independently, reducing the complexity of gear alignments and facilitating simultaneous coupling of drive shafts, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of tissue cutting and stapling.
Implementation Method 1
A modular surgical instrument with a shiftable transmission assembly that includes a transmission carriage and a solenoid, allowing for axial movement between first and second drive positions
Data Source
AI summary
A modular shaft assembly is disclosed. The modular shaft assembly includes one or more inputs configured to receive input motions from a surgical instrument system, such as a handle, for example. The shaft assembly further includes one or more on-board inputs configured to generate input motions. The input motions received and generated by the shaft assembly are transferrable to an end effector of the shaft assembly to perform various functions at the end effector. The end effector can include a staple cartridge and a firing member which is movable between a proximal position and a distal position to eject staples from the staple cartridge. The end effector can include a plurality of jaw members and the firing member can comprise camming members which are configured to position the jaw members relative to one another.