Linear Stapler Clamping Assembly With Rotating Anvil Pin

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing linear surgical staplers face challenges in minimizing the frictional engagement required to clamp the stapler halves together, which increases the operational force needed by the operator.

Innovation Solution

The stapler design incorporates a stepped distal anvil pin that rotates when engaged by the clamp lever, reducing the frictional engagement and minimizing the closing force required.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the clamp lever directly engages the anvil pin without rotation, then the clamping force is sufficient, but the frictional engagement increases the operational force required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational forceVSAvoidease of clamping

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The anvil pin is designed with a stepped configuration that enables it to rotate during engagement with the clamp lever. This rotation transforms the static frictional engagement into a dynamic rolling engagement, reducing the operational force required to close the clamp lever while maintaining sufficient clamping force on the tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stepped distal anvil pin changes the engagement parameter from direct sliding contact to rotational contact. The steps on the pin create discrete engagement points that allow the pin to rotate incrementally, reducing friction and the force needed to operate the clamp lever.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If a distal anvil pin is used to couple stapler halves, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the frictional engagement increases the closing force required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidclosing force

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The distal anvil pin incorporates a rotated engagement surface that transitions from a fixed friction-based connection to a dynamic rolling connection. This allows the pin to maintain structural integrity while reducing the closing force through rotational movement during engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stepped features on the distal anvil pin act as intermediaries between the clamp lever and the anvil pin body, enabling a rolling engagement that reduces friction while maintaining the structural coupling function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This design reduces the operational force needed to clamp the stapler halves together, enhancing ease of use and efficiency during surgical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

reducing the frictional engagement and minimizing the closing force required

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20250352207A1Clamping assembly for linear surgical stapler

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

A surgical stapler includes a first elongate member having a distal portion that supports an anvil surface, and a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to receive a staple cartridge. The stapler further includes a pin rotatably coupled with the first elongate member, and a clamp member movably coupled with the second elongate member. The clamp member is operable to releasably capture the pin to thereby clamp the first elongate member against the second elongate member. The pin is configured to rotate relative to the first elongate member in response to being captured by the clamp member.