Stapler Reload Cartridge Assembly for Larger Staples in Compact Jaws
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stapler instruments face a challenge in reducing their transverse cross-sectional dimensions while still being able to accommodate large staple sizes, as components like permanent covers constrain the size of staples that can be accepted and fired.
Innovation Solution
The stapler reload assembly includes a removable cover and staple retainer with interlocking features that ensure an ordered sequence of removal, allowing for a compact design that retains staples and pushers until installation, preventing damage during transport and handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent cover is used to retain staples and pushers during manufacture and shipping, then reliability is improved, but the transverse cross-sectional dimensions increase, limiting the maximum staple size that can be accepted
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into multiple separable portions (first cover portion and second cover portion) that can be selectively removed. This segmentation allows the cover to provide protection during transport while enabling access to larger staples by removing unnecessary cover sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover transitions from a static permanent structure to a dynamic selectively removable structure. The cover portions can be removed based on the specific staple size and type being loaded, allowing the device to adapt its configuration to different operational requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transverse cross-sectional dimensions are reduced to accommodate larger staples, then adaptability is improved, but the structural integrity and protection of staples during transport deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into removable portions that can be selectively discarded. This allows the main cartridge body to maintain a compact size for accommodating larger staples while the cover portions provide protective enclosure during transport and handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover portions are pre-installed on the cartridge body before shipping and storage. This preliminary protective action ensures staples and pushers are secured during manufacture and transport, and can be removed later when the cartridge is ready for loading with specific staple sizes.
3Area of stationary object
If a removable cover design is used to reduce size, then the transverse cross-sectional dimensions are reduced, but the complexity of ensuring proper assembly and operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second cover portions are designed with asymmetric characteristics relative to the cartridge body, with specific engagement features that ensure they can only be installed in the correct orientation. This asymmetry simplifies assembly by preventing incorrect installation while maintaining the size-reduction benefits of the removable cover design.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of installing a stapler reload cartridge in a stapler instrument includes removing a cover from a side of a stapler reload cartridge housing a plurality of staples, the side having a plurality of pusher apertures configured to receive staple pushers during loading of the stapler reload cartridge; after removing the cover, installing the stapler reload cartridge in the stapler instrument by placing the stapler reload cartridge in a jaw of the stapler instrument such that the side having the plurality of pusher apertures faces the jaw; and after installing the stapler reload cartridge in the stapler instrument, removing a staple retainer from a staple ejection side of the stapler reload cartridge, the staple ejection side comprising a plurality of staple apertures configured to eject staples from the stapler reload cartridge.