Surgical Stapler Articulation Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopic surgical staplers face difficulty in retaining a desired degree of articulation during firing, as firing forces tend to straighten the tool assembly.
Innovation Solution
An articulation locking mechanism is introduced, comprising a locking member with teeth that moves from an unlocked to a locked position, engaging with notches on the mounting assembly to prevent further articulation, and is biased by a spring to maintain the locked position during firing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tool assembly is made articulable to facilitate access to tissue, then ease of operation is improved, but the tool assembly cannot retain the desired degree of articulation during firing
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation locking mechanism transitions from a static connection to a dynamic system that allows articulation during positioning, then locks to maintain stability during firing. The locking member moves between unlocked and locked positions based on the operational phase, enabling both articulation freedom and positional stability as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member acts as an intermediary element between the tool assembly and the elongated body. It mediates the relationship by allowing relative movement (articulation) when unlocked and preventing movement (stabilizing) when locked, thus resolving the contradiction between needing articulation freedom and maintaining positional stability.
2Productivity
If the firing forces are applied to actuate the tool assembly, then productivity is improved, but the tool assembly straightens and loses articulation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism applies a preliminary counter-action to the firing forces that tend to straighten the tool assembly. By engaging the locking member in the locked position before or during firing, the system pre-counteracts the straightening tendency, allowing high firing forces to be applied without losing articulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is positioned in the locked position in advance of the firing action, preparing the system to maintain articulation during the subsequent high-force firing operation. This preliminary locking action ensures that when firing forces are applied, the articulation is already secured and will be maintained throughout the firing process.
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 mechanism effectively retains the tool assembly in a desired articulated position during firing, preventing straightening and ensuring consistent access to tissue.
Implementation Method 1
the articulation member includes a biasing member positioned to urge the locking member towards the unlocked position
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to an endoscopic surgical stapler having an articulation locking mechanism that functions to prevent straightening of a tool assembly of the surgical stapler when the surgical stapler is fired with the tool assembly in an articulated position. In embodiments, a mounting assembly supports a notched member on a proximal end of the tool assembly and the notched member defines a series of notches. An articulation member supported adjacent to the mounting assembly includes a locking member defining protrusions or teeth that are movable from a first unlocked position spaced from the notches of the mounting assembly to a second locked position received within the notches to lock the tool assembly in one of a plurality of articulated positions. In embodiments, the locking member is biased towards the unlocked position by a biasing member and is urged toward and retained in the locked position via engagement with a drive assembly of the surgical stapler.