Staple Driver Control Surfaces to Prevent Rotation During Firing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high force required to fire staples from a surgical stapling instrument due to unintentional rotation of staple drivers within staple cavities during the firing stroke is a challenge.

Innovation Solution

The configuration of staple drivers with flexible connectors and guide rails that allow for controlled movement, reducing friction and binding, thereby lowering the force needed for staple ejection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If staple drivers are allowed to move freely within staple cavities during firing, then the staple ejection mechanism is simpler, but unintentional rotation occurs increasing the force required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestaple driver movement mechanismVSAvoidforce required for staple firing

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing control surfaces only at specific locations on the staple drivers (at the staple cavity interface) rather than constraining the entire driver. This localized approach prevents rotation at the critical interface while allowing free movement elsewhere, reducing overall complexity without increasing firing force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The control surfaces act as an intermediary element between the staple driver and staple cavity wall. These surfaces provide the necessary rotational control through friction or mechanical engagement, while the rest of the driver remains free to move, thus mediating between the need for rotation prevention and movement freedom

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Force

If control surfaces are added to staple drivers to prevent rotation, then unintentional rotation is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce required for staple firingVSAvoidstaple driver structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control surfaces are implemented only at the specific interface region where the staple driver contacts the staple cavity wall, rather than modifying the entire driver structure. This localized implementation prevents rotation where needed while maintaining simplicity elsewhere, thus adding minimal complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The control surfaces change the friction parameter or mechanical engagement parameter at the interface between the staple driver and staple cavity. By modifying this local parameter, rotational control is achieved without requiring complex mechanical constraints throughout the entire driver structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12465359B2Control surfaces on a staple driver of a surgical staple cartridge

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

A surgical instrument comprising a staple cartridge including a cartridge body, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and staple drivers movable within the cartridge body to eject, or deploy, the staples from the cartridge body is disclosed herein. The staple drivers and the cartridge body comprise control surfaces that promote the efficient deployment of the staples from the cartridge body.