Stapler Cartridge Assembly With Removable Retainer for Compact Reloads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stapler reload assemblies face a challenge in achieving a reduced transverse cross-sectional dimension while accommodating large staple sizes, as components like covers and retainers contribute to overall size, potentially leading to staple loss or deformation during transport and installation.
Innovation Solution
The stapler reload assembly incorporates a removable cover and staple retainer with interlocking features that ensure an ordered sequence of removal, allowing the assembly to maintain a compact size while retaining staples and pushers until installation, preventing damage or loss during handling and shipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stapler reload assembly includes permanent cover and retainer components to secure staples during transport and installation, then staple retention reliability is improved, but the transverse cross-sectional dimension of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from permanent to removable cover and retainer components. The cover can be removed to access staples for replacement, and the retainer can be removed to eject staples during use. This dynamic configuration allows the assembly to maintain staple retention reliability during transport and installation while reducing the transverse cross-sectional dimension when components are removed, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cover and retainer into separate, removable components rather than permanent integrated structures. The cover is separable from the cartridge body, and the retainer is separable from both the cover and cartridge body. This segmentation enables selective removal of components to access staples while maintaining a compact configuration when all components are assembled, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining staple retention reliability and reducing overall assembly size.
2Length of stationary object
If the stapler reload assembly uses removable cover and retainer components to reduce overall size, then the transverse cross-sectional dimension is reduced, but the risk of staple loss or deformation during handling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by designing the cover and retainer to be pre-assembled and pre-positioned on the cartridge body in a configured state that maintains staple retention. The cover is pre-positioned to cover the staple ejection side, and the retainer is pre-positioned to cover the pusher aperture side, ensuring staples are secured before handling, transport, or installation. This preliminary configuration maintains reliability while allowing size reduction when components are removed during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by using the cover and retainer as intermediary components that mediate between the cartridge body and the external environment. These components serve as protective intermediaries during transport and installation, and as access intermediaries during staple replacement and ejection. The cover acts as an intermediary barrier protecting staples from exposure, while the retainer serves as an intermediary mechanism controlling pusher access. This intermediary function maintains staple retention reliability while enabling size reduction when intermediaries are removed.
3Length of stationary object
If the stapler reload assembly maintains a compact size to fit endoscopic instruments, then the instrument can be used in less invasive procedures, but the ability to accommodate large staple sizes is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the transverse cross-sectional dimension to be dynamically adjusted based on operational needs. When the cover and retainer are assembled, the assembly presents a compact profile suitable for endoscopic instruments. When components are removed during staple replacement or ejection, the internal space becomes accessible, allowing accommodation of larger staple sizes. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction between maintaining compact size for endoscopic use and accommodating large staples when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the staple storage function from the protective cover and retainer components. The cartridge body maintains a compact configuration for endoscopic instrument compatibility, while the removable cover and retainer create accessible internal space when removed. This segmentation allows the assembly to present a compact external profile for surgical instrument integration while providing internal capacity for large staples when components are selectively removed, thus resolving the contradiction between compact size and staple size accommodation capability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C~3E
AI summary
A stapler reload assembly includes a cartridge body defining a housing to receive staples. The cartridge body has a first side comprising a plurality of staple apertures configured to eject staples housed in the cartridge body. The cartridge body has a second side, opposite the first side, comprising a plurality of pusher apertures through which staple pushers of the cartridge body are accessible. A staple retainer is removably coupled to the first side of the cartridge body and at least partially covers the plurality of staple apertures. A cover is removably coupled to and at least partially covers the plurality of pusher apertures. Devices and methods relate to stapler reload assemblies.