Powered Surgical Stapler End Stop Selection Without Software Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powered surgical staplers rely on costly software algorithms to detect end stops, which can lead to device damage and accuracy issues if not properly detected, and there is a need for a low-cost solution that avoids mechanical limits without such algorithms.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapler with a user-settable end stop distance mechanism that uses a distance setting interface with switches to control motor actuation, allowing manual selection of travel distance without relying on torque or motor current feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If software algorithms based on torque or motor current are used to detect end stop, then end stop detection accuracy is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex software algorithms with a simple mechanical end stop detection system. A physical end stop component mechanically limits the travel of the drive shaft, providing inherent detection of the end stop position without requiring sophisticated software based on torque or current measurements. This mechanical substitution resolves the contradiction by achieving accurate end stop detection through simple mechanical means rather than complex computational methods.
2Device complexity
If no end stop detection is implemented, then device cost is reduced, but device damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a mechanical end stop that acts as a protective cushion before damage can occur. The end stop is positioned to physically prevent the drive shaft from traveling beyond its safe limit, thereby cushioning against potential mechanical damage to the motor and other components. This beforehand protection resolves the contradiction by providing reliable damage prevention through a simple mechanical barrier rather than complex detection systems.
3Device complexity
If mechanical limits are reached without proper detection, then device cost is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical end stop performs the preliminary action of defining the exact travel limit of the drive shaft before any stapling operation begins. By pre-establishing the precise mechanical boundary through the end stop's physical position, the system ensures consistent and accurate stapling depth across all operations without requiring complex software control or real-time detection during the stapling process.
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
Enables accurate and efficient stapling operations by preventing mechanical limits, reducing device damage, and eliminating the need for costly software algorithms.
Implementation Method 1
a motor coupled to the power source and configured to move the drive shaft longitudinally
Implementation Method 2
a distance setting interface including a plurality of switches each of which corresponds to a travel distance that the motor moves the drive shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical stapler includes a loading unit having a staple cartridge having a cartridge distance and a plurality of staples and an anvil to form the plurality of staples upon firing. The surgical stapler also includes a shaft assembly coupled to the load unit. The shaft assembly includes a drive shaft longitudinally movable within the shaft assembly and configured to actuate the loading unit. The surgical stapler further includes a handle assembly having a power source and a motor coupled to the power source and configured to move the drive shaft longitudinally. The handle assembly also includes a distance setting interface including a plurality of switches each of which corresponds to a travel distance that the motor moves the drive shaft, the travel distance corresponding to the cartridge distance.