Sealed Electrical Connector Interface for Surgical Stapler Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling apparatus face challenges in establishing a sealed electrical connection between the surgical loading unit and the adapter, which can lead to contamination from body fluids and potential short circuits.
Innovation Solution
The surgical stapling apparatus includes a housing assembly, an elongated shaft assembly with an adapter assembly and a loading unit, where the adapter electrical connector assembly and the loading unit electrical connector assembly are designed to electrically couple together, forming a sealed connection that resists contamination from body fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If electrical connector assemblies are established between the loading unit and adapter, then data transmission from sensors is enabled, but contamination from body fluids and potential short circuits occur
Solution Approach 1:
A seal member is introduced as an intermediary element between the loading unit electrical connector assembly and the adapter electrical connector assembly. This seal member creates a fluid-tight barrier that prevents body fluids from contaminating the electrical contacts while still allowing electrical and data signals to pass through the connected components
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member functions as a flexible barrier that conforms to the interface between the loading unit and adapter. This flexible sealing structure maintains electrical connectivity while providing protection against fluid infiltration, effectively isolating the electrical components from harmful body fluids
2Adaptability or versatility
If the loading unit is selectively attachable to the adapter assembly, then versatility and ease of replacement are improved, but reliable electrical connection and sealing become more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector assemblies are designed with corresponding contact surfaces and alignment features that ensure consistent electrical potential and reliable contact when the loading unit is attached to the adapter. The seal member is positioned to maintain this reliable connection across different loading unit replacements
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member acts as a mediator that remains in place on the adapter assembly, allowing different loading units to be selectively attached and detached while maintaining a consistent sealed interface. This eliminates the need to re-establish sealing with each attachment, ensuring reliable protection against contamination
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A surgical stapling apparatus includes a housing assembly and an elongated shaft assembly. The elongated shaft assembly is selectively attachable to the housing assembly. The elongated shaft assembly includes an adapter assembly and a loading unit. The adapter assembly extends distally to a distal tip housing. The distal tip housing supports an adapter electrical connector assembly therein. The loading unit is selectively attachable to the adapter assembly and extends distally to an end effector supporting one or more sensors therein. The loading unit supports a loading unit electrical connector assembly therein. The loading unit electrical connector assembly is positioned to contact the adapter electrical connector assembly when the adapter assembly and the loading unit are coupled together to electrically couple the one or more sensors to the housing assembly.