Stapler Cartridge Channel Interlock for Tissue Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical stapling devices often experience cartridge displacement during use on thick or tough tissue due to insufficient securing mechanisms, leading to instability and potential failure in clamping and fastening operations.
Innovation Solution
The surgical stapling device incorporates a cartridge channel with transverse protrusions and corresponding recesses in the fastener cartridge, forming a T-shaped extension and recess configuration, which provides visual and audible indicators for secure positioning and applies a biasing force to maintain the cartridge in place, using tabs and slots for alignment and retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cartridge is not sufficiently secured to the channel, then the device structure remains simple, but the cartridge becomes displaced from the cartridge channel during use on thick or tough tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is segmented into multiple independent interlocking features: protrusions on the cartridge channel, corresponding recesses in the cartridge, tabs, and slots. This segmentation allows each feature to contribute specifically to different aspects of securing (preventing displacement in different directions) while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is nested within the cartridge channel, with the cartridge's tabs fitting into slots on the channel, and the channel's protrusions fitting into recesses on the cartridge. This nested arrangement creates a compact, integrated securing system without adding external components.
2Reliability
If the cartridge is sufficiently secured to the channel with multiple interlocking features, then the cartridge positioning stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple securing functions are merged into a single cartridge-channel assembly. The protrusions, recesses, tabs, and slots work together as an integrated interlocking system rather than separate mechanisms, reducing overall complexity while maintaining high security.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking features use asymmetric geometries (T-shaped extensions, specific tab and slot configurations) that provide secure attachment in critical directions while allowing necessary movement and alignment during assembly. The asymmetric design ensures proper orientation and prevents displacement.
3Reliability
If the cartridge channel applies a biasing force around the fastener cartridge, then the cartridge retention is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to material bias requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The material properties of the cartridge channel are changed to introduce a bias in one direction. This parameter change allows the channel to naturally apply a retaining force on the cartridge without additional mechanical components, simplifying the overall structure while improving retention.
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical stapling device including a handle assembly, an endoscopic portion and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the handle assembly and defines a first longitudinal axis. The end effector defines a second longitudinal axis and includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The end effector includes a cartridge channel configured and dimensioned to securely receive a cartridge therein.