Sealed Adapters for Electromechanical Surgical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling systems face challenges in efficiently preventing debris and body fluids from entering the inner components of adapters, leading to malfunctions and reduced reusability due to limited access and difficulty in cleaning.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating seals, such as O-rings, between moving components and within the outer tube to prevent fluid and debris infiltration, and providing flushing ports to expel accumulated debris and fluids after detachment of the surgical end effector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If seals are added to prevent fluid and debris infiltration, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs O-ring seals and grommet seals as flexible thin film elements to create fluid and debris barriers between the outer tube and inner components. These seals are positioned at critical interfaces where contamination could enter, providing effective protection without requiring complex mechanical structures. The seals flex to accommodate movement while maintaining the barrier function.
2Ease of operation
If flushing ports are added to enable debris removal, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cleaning function by incorporating flushing ports that allow external cleaning solutions to be introduced into the adapter. These ports provide access points for debris removal while maintaining the sealed protection during operation. The ports are strategically positioned to enable thorough cleaning of internal components without compromising the protective sealing system.
3Reliability
If multiple seals are positioned along the outer tube, then protection is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates seal retainer features and positioning structures that are pre-formed during manufacturing to establish precise seal locations. These preliminary structural elements guide the seals into their correct positions and maintain them there during assembly and operation, reducing the precision requirements for the sealing process itself while ensuring reliable seal placement.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for use with an electromechanical surgical instrument. The adapter includes an elongate shaft assembly that has a distal end that is configured to be coupled to a surgical end effector and a proximal end that is coupled to an adapter housing assembly that is configured to be operably coupled to the electromechanical surgical instrument. The adapter includes seal arrangements for preventing fluid and debris entering through a distal end of the shaft assembly from reaching an electrical assembly supported in the adapter housing assembly.