Surgical Stapler Rotating Mechanism with Elastic Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing linear surgical staplers face challenges in controlling the rotating angle of the stapler head, leading to uncontrollable rotations and imprecise positioning during operations.

Innovation Solution

A rotating mechanism with elastic cooperating members between the rotating component and the housing allows for precise control of rotating angles by forming inserted cooperation, preventing uncontrollable rotations through resistance and lagging effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rotating rod is used to rotate the stapler head assembly, then the stapler head can be rotated relative to the longitudinal shaft, but the rotating angle becomes uncontrollable and the stapler head may rotate uncontrollably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotating capabilityVSAvoidrotating angle control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating mechanism is segmented into discrete angular positions using multiple convex portions on the rotating component and corresponding recesses in the housing. Each convex portion-recess pair represents a discrete angular position, allowing the operator to control rotation in predetermined increments rather than continuous motion, thereby achieving reliable angular control while maintaining rotating capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic convex portions act as intermediaries between the rotating component and the housing. These elastic elements engage with the recesses to transmit rotational motion while providing controlled resistance and maintaining precise angular positioning. The elastic nature allows for smooth engagement and disengagement between the convex portions and recesses, enabling reliable control of the rotating angle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the rotating component rotates freely, then easy rotation is achieved, but uncontrollable rotation occurs and precise positioning cannot be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation smoothnessVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating mechanism transitions from a static locking system to a dynamic elastic engagement system. The convex portions are made of elastic material that can deform during rotation, allowing smooth transitions between positions while maintaining precise angular stops. This dynamic elasticity provides both ease of rotation and precise positioning control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic properties of the convex portions allow the mechanism to change its physical state during operation. When rotating, the elastic material deforms to allow movement; when positioned, it returns to its original shape to maintain precise angular positioning. This parameter change enables both smooth rotation and precise positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If elastic cooperating members are introduced to control rotation, then precise angular control is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotating angle controlVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating control mechanism is merged with the rotating component itself. The convex portions are integrated directly into the rotating component, and the recesses are formed in the housing, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms. This merging reduces overall device complexity while achieving reliable angular control through the elastic convex portion-recess engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables precise control over the rotating angle of the stapler head, maintaining stability without external force, thereby ensuring accurate and controlled surgical operations.

Implementation Method 1

the first cooperating member or the second cooperating member is elastic, when the rotating component rotates relative to the housing until the first cooperating member faces the second cooperating member, the first cooperating member and the second cooperating member form inserted cooperation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12048432B2Rotating mechanism and surgical stapler
Publication Date: 2024.07.30 TOUCHSTONE INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL SCIENCE CO LTD
  • US12048432B2 patent drawing
  • US12048432B2 patent drawing
  • US12048432B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A swing head mechanism and a medical stapler. The swing head mechanism comprises a rotating component, a swing head pull rod (93), and a housing. At least one first fitting member and at least one second fitting member are respectively provided on the outside of the rotating component and the inside of the housing. When the rotating component rotates relative to the housing until the first fitting member is opposite to the second fitting member, the first fitting member and the second fitting member form an elastic embedding fit. The swing head mechanism facilitates an operator to set different swing angles of a stapler head portion, and can avoid uncontrollable swing of the stapler head portion.