Surgical Stapler Articulation Mechanism Ball Screw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical staplers often have complex mechanisms that increase manufacturing burdens and potential device failures, while also confusing users, as they strive to reliably staple tissue without overly complex setups.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapler design featuring an elongate shaft, jaw assembly, and handle assembly with an articulation mechanism that includes a ball screw, ball bearings, and a manually actuated articulation knob, allowing for the jaw assembly to be selectively positioned and articulated relative to the shaft, simplifying the stapling process and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used to ensure proper tissue positioning and stapling, then stapling reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (tissue clamping, positioning, and stapling) into a single integrated jaw assembly that moves as one unit. The jaw assembly includes both clamping surfaces and staple drivers integrated together, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining stapling reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it clamps tissue, positions the tissue for stapling, and drives the staples. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the device while ensuring reliable stapling through integrated functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple triggers and handles are provided for proper stapling, then stapling functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single trigger mechanism. The trigger simultaneously controls jaw closure, tissue clamping, and staple deployment through integrated linkages, eliminating the need for multiple separate triggers and handles, thus reducing user confusion while maintaining full stapling functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The single trigger mechanism performs multiple functions: it actuates the jaw assembly to close and clamp tissue, positions the stapling components, and fires the staples. This universal control mechanism simplifies the user interface while providing complete stapling capability
3Manufacturing precision
If complex mechanisms are used for tissue clamping and stapling, then stapling precision is improved, but manufacturing burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into two main modular components: a reusable handle assembly containing the trigger and actuation mechanisms, and a disposable jaw assembly containing the clamping and stapling elements. This segmentation allows precision-critical components to be manufactured once to high tolerances in the handle, while the disposable jaw can be manufactured more simply and replaced as needed, reducing overall manufacturing burden
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw assembly is pre-configured with precisely positioned staple drivers and clamping surfaces during manufacturing of the disposable unit. This preliminary positioning ensures manufacturing precision is achieved once during jaw assembly production, rather than requiring complex adjustment mechanisms during use, thereby reducing ongoing manufacturing and assembly burdens
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enhances user simplicity and reduces manufacturing burdens by providing a reliable stapling mechanism that is easier to operate and maintain, with the articulation mechanism allowing for precise tissue positioning and staple deployment without excessive complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The articulation mechanism comprises a ball screw having a thread formed therein. The articulation mechanism further comprises at least one ball bearing engageable with the thread. In operation, rotation of the ball screw can translate the articulation adapter.
Implementation Method 2
The articulation mechanism further comprises at least one ball bearing engageable with the thread.
Implementation Method 3
The release mechanism can disengage the ball bearings from the ball screw and be biased to return the articulation mechanism to a longitudinally centered position.
Data Source
AI summary
A handle assembly for a surgical stapler can comprise a rotatable actuation shaft. The actuation shaft can have a first rotational orientation in which it can actuate a jaw assembly in a repeatable open and close mode, a second rotational orientation in which it can actuate a jaw assembly in a staple firing mode, and a third rotational orientation in which it can actuate a jaw assembly in a reversing mode. The handle assembly can include an articulation mechanism including a ball screw to selectively articulate the jaw assembly relative to an elongate shaft.