Pivotable I-Beam Clamp Assembly Minimizes Dead Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical stapling devices with I-beam closure mechanisms suffer from dead space within the tool assembly, which increases the overall length of the device and reduces its useful length for stapling tissue.
Innovation Solution
A tool assembly with a clamp assembly featuring a pivotable I-beam configuration, where the first beam is pivotably coupled to a central body portion with a vertical strut and hook, allowing engagement with the jaw in the open position to minimize dead space and maximize the useful length by changing the angle of the beams from acute to parallel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the I-beam is positioned within the tool assembly at a location proximally of the z-bend to house the I-beam prior to actuation, then the tool assembly can be moved between open and clamped positions, but dead space is formed within the tool assembly and the overall length of the stapling device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first beam is made pivotable relative to the central body portion, allowing it to dynamically change its angular position. In the open position, the first beam pivots to an acute angle to clear the z-bend and engage the first jaw. In the clamped position, it pivots to a parallel alignment with the second beam, eliminating dead space and minimizing the overall length of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly is divided into separate components: a central body portion with a vertical strut and base portion, a first beam that is pivotably coupled, and a second beam that is fixedly secured. This segmentation allows the first beam to independently pivot and reposition, solving the dead space problem while maintaining the functional integrity of the I-beam closure mechanism.
2Device complexity
If the first beam is fixedly secured to the central body portion, then the structure is simpler, but dead space is created within the tool assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The first beam is made pivotable relative to the central body portion, allowing it to dynamically change its angular position. In the open position, the first beam pivots to an acute angle to clear the z-bend and engage the first jaw. In the clamped position, it pivots to a parallel alignment with the second beam, eliminating dead space and minimizing the overall length of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly is divided into separate components: a central body portion with a vertical strut and base portion, a first beam that is pivotably coupled, and a second beam that is fixedly secured. This segmentation allows the first beam to independently pivot and reposition, solving the dead space problem while maintaining the functional integrity of the I-beam closure mechanism.
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 minimizes dead space within the tool assembly, thereby maximizing the usable length for stapling tissue and enhancing the efficiency of the surgical stapling device.
Implementation Method 1
the first beam supports a pivot member, the pivot member received within the circular recess to pivotably couple the first beam to the central body portion
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A tool assembly includes first and second jaws, and a clamp assembly having a body portion and first and second beams that are engaged with the first and second jaws. The clamp assembly is movable in relation to the first and second jaws to move the tool assembly from an open position to a clamped position. One of the first or second beams is pivotably coupled to the body portion of the clamp assembly such that the beam can be engaged with the pivotable jaw of the tool assembly when the jaw is in an open position. This allows the clamp assembly to be positioned between the jaws when the tool assembly is in the open position to minimize dead space within the tool assembly.