Surgical Stapler Cartridge Assembly Segmentation and Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling devices face high costs due to the need for frequent replacement of the entire reload assembly and the flimsiness of staple cartridges, which are difficult to handle.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling device design featuring a robust cartridge assembly with an anvil assembly and retention structure, where the anvil assembly includes insertion slots at an acute angle to pivotably couple with the cartridge assembly, and a drive assembly with a clamping mechanism to securely engage the cartridge, allowing for easy replacement and improved handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire reload assembly is replaced after each firing, then the surgical stapling device can be reused, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The reload assembly is divided into two replaceable components: the cartridge assembly (containing staples) and the anvil assembly (containing the anvil body). This segmentation allows the expensive anvil assembly to be reused while only the cheaper cartridge assembly is replaced after each firing, thereby reducing overall costs while maintaining device reuse capability.
2Weight of moving object
If the cartridge body is made lightweight, then handling becomes easier, but the cartridge body becomes flimsy and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge assembly is constructed using composite materials that combine lightweight properties with enhanced strength. The cartridge body incorporates reinforced structures and material compositions that provide both light weight for ease of handling and sufficient strength to prevent flimsiness during operation.
3Strength
If the cartridge assembly is made robust, then handling improves, but the replacement frequency and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the robust anvil assembly (which remains) from the disposable cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly is designed to be sufficiently robust for handling during the procedure but is still replaceable after each use, while the expensive anvil assembly is reused, thereby balancing robustness needs with cost control through selective replacement.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the anvil assembly and cartridge assembly are tightly coupled, then structural stability improves, but replacement of the cartridge assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism between the anvil assembly and cartridge assembly employs dynamic characteristics with movable elements such as spring-loaded retention structures and cam-actuated release mechanisms. These allow the assemblies to be tightly coupled during operation for structural stability while enabling easy separation when replacement is needed, providing both stability and ease of replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly that includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly includes a channel member that includes structure for releasably engaging the anvil assembly to allow for separation of the entire cartridge assembly from the anvil assembly after each use of the stapling device.