Sealable Electrical Connection Assembly for Surgical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staplers lack effective sealing mechanisms to prevent fluid ingress, which can cause electrical shorting and failure of the instrument during use.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of sealable electrical connection assemblies that establish a liquid-tight seal around the electrical connection between the handle assembly and the shaft assembly, using various sealing elements and configurations to prevent fluid exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical staplers are used in endoscopic or open procedures, then surgical functionality is improved, but vulnerability to fluid ingress increases causing electrical shorting
Solution Approach 1:
A sealable electrical connection assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the shaft assembly and handle assembly. This assembly includes electrical contacts for signal transmission and a sealable portion that prevents fluid ingress while allowing electrical connection, thus protecting the electrical system from fluid exposure during surgical procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The sealable electrical connection assembly utilizes a sealable portion comprising a seal that forms a liquid-tight barrier. This flexible sealing mechanism prevents fluid from penetrating into the electrical connection area while maintaining the necessary electrical conductivity through the sealed interface
2Reliability
If sealable electrical connection assemblies are implemented, then protection from fluid ingress is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealable electrical connection assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: electrical signal transmission through electrical contacts, mechanical connection between shaft and handle assemblies, and fluid sealing through the sealable portion. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining all necessary functions
Solution Approach 2:
The sealable electrical connection assembly serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it provides electrical connectivity for signals and power, creates a liquid-tight seal to prevent fluid ingress, and acts as a mechanical interface between the shaft and handle assemblies. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the enhanced protection features
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a body assembly, a shaft assembly that releasably attaches to the body assembly, and an end effector at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The body assembly includes a first electrical contact and a first sealing portion. The shaft assembly includes a second electrical contact and a second sealing portion. The first and second electrical contacts are configured to electrically couple together to establish an electrical connection therebetween when the shaft assembly is attached to the body assembly. The first and second sealing portions are configured to sealingly engage one another when the shaft assembly is attached to the body assembly to establish a liquid-tight seal that surrounds the electrical connection.