Surgical Stapler Closure Driver Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional closure driving mechanisms in surgical staplers have complex structures that affect closure stability and prevent smooth return of the cutter to its initial position due to residual closure of the cartridge and anvil after firing.
Innovation Solution
A closure driving mechanism with a locking member and a first slider that locks the closure driver in place before firing, allowing separation after firing to enable smooth opening of the head assembly, facilitating the cutter's return to its initial position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the traditional closure driving mechanism is used, then the structure can close the cartridge and anvil, but the structure becomes complex and the closure stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closure driving mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the closure driver, locking member with first and second locking portions, first and second sliders, and biasing members. Each component has a specific function, and their coordinated interaction achieves reliable closure while maintaining structural clarity. The locking member's division into two locking portions that engage with separate sliders is a key segmentation that enhances both reliability and manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member and sliders are preliminarily positioned and configured to automatically lock the closure driver in place before firing. The biasing members are pre-loaded to ensure the locking portions are ready to engage. This preliminary configuration ensures that the closure driver maintains stable positioning during the firing process without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the cartridge and anvil remain closed after firing, then the closure driver maintains position, but the cutter cannot return to initial position smoothly due to tissue resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocked state through the action of the third slider. During firing, the locking portions engage with the sliders to maintain closure. After firing, the third slider moves to disengage the locking portions, allowing the closure driver to dynamically adjust and move proximally to open the cartridge and anvil, enabling smooth cutter return without compromising closure stability during the critical firing phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure driving mechanism automatically manages its own locking and unlocking states through the coordinated action of its components. The biasing members automatically engage the locking portions with the sliders during closure, and the third slider automatically disengages them after firing. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external intervention to manage closure state transitions, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If the closure driver is locked during firing, then closure stability is improved, but the mechanism requires additional locking components increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member serves multiple functions: it provides the first locking portion to engage with the first slider for initial closure locking, provides the second locking portion to engage with the second slider for maintained closure, and interacts with the third slider for post-firing unlocking. The first and second sliders also serve dual purposes as both positioning elements and locking engagement surfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated locking components, achieving reliable closure stability without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A closure driving mechanism and a surgical stapler are provided. The closure driving mechanism includes a first slider, a locking member, a closure driver and a pushing block, the first slider is connected to the closure driver and includes a first fitting portion, the locking member includes a second fitting portion and a first lifting portion connected to each other, the pushing block includes a second lifting portion located under the first lifting portion. When the head assembly is closed, the closure driver is locked by the locking member fitting with the first slider. After the stapler is fired and the pushing block is lifted, the locking member separates from the first slider. Therefore, the closure driver can move distally to open the head assembly.