Staple Cartridge Retention and Datum Alignment in Surgical Staplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staplers face challenges in retaining the staple cartridge within the end effector when it is in an open position and aligning it with the staple forming pockets of the anvil when the end effector reaches a closed position, which can lead to misalignment and improper staple formation.
Innovation Solution
The surgical stapler incorporates a staple cartridge retainer and a staple cartridge datum locator to ensure the staple cartridge is securely retained and aligned with the anvil's staple forming pockets, even when the end effector is in a closed position, using a mechanism that allows easy coupling and decoupling of the cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the end effector is in an open position, then the staple cartridge may be retained, but alignment with staple forming pockets cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The datum locator features perform preliminary alignment action by engaging with the cartridge before the closing motion occurs. The elongate datum locator features on the anvil engage with corresponding features on the cartridge, establishing proper alignment in advance of the stapling operation, ensuring that when the jaws close, the cartridge is already positioned correctly relative to the staple forming pockets.
2Manufacturing precision
If the end effector is in a closed position, then alignment with staple forming pockets is achieved, but cartridge retention may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The datum locator features serve as intermediary elements that mediate between the cartridge and the anvil. These features engage during the closing motion to transfer and establish the precise alignment relationship between the cartridge's staple openings and the anvil's staple forming pockets, ensuring proper positioning without compromising the retention function.
3Device complexity
If no datum locator features are used, then the structure remains simple, but consistent alignment cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The datum locator features are integrated into existing components (the anvil and cartridge) rather than being separate additions. The elongate datum locator features on the anvil and corresponding features on the cartridge work together to provide alignment functionality while maintaining compatibility with the existing stapling mechanism, achieving precise alignment without requiring entirely new components.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an end effector, a staple cartridge retainer, and a staple cartridge datum locator. The end effector includes a first jaw, a second jaw, a knife sled, and a replaceable staple cartridge. The first jaw can selectively couple with the replaceable staple cartridge and the knife sled can actuate along a firing stroke to cut and staple tissue called by the first and second jaws. The staple cartridge retainer is located along a distal portion of the end effector and includes a resilient retention body that can inhibit the replaceable staple cartridge from disassociating with the first jaw. The staple cartridge datum location is located along a proximal portion of the end effector and can position the replaceable staple cartridge at its predetermined datum location when the first and second jaw are in a closed position.