Surgical Stapler Handle Assembly Segmentation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing circular staplers have a lockout mechanism that can negatively impact operator experience and may cause the stapler casing to crack if the handle is pressed vigorously, leading to accidental firing during unsuitable conditions.
Innovation Solution
A handle assembly with a first and second handle, where the first handle and second handle share a common rotation center, utilizing a torsion spring and sliding slot mechanism to ensure the stapler cannot be fired unless the second handle is moved, providing a secure firing mechanism and enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lockout mechanism is added to prevent accidental firing, then safety is improved, but operator experience deteriorates and the stapler casing may crack under vigorous pressing
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into two separate handles (first handle and second handle) that are not linked when the stapler is not ready to fire. The first handle can be pressed independently without triggering firing, while the second handle is the only one that can fire the stapler. This segmentation allows operators to perform preparatory actions on the first handle without risking accidental firing, improving operator experience while maintaining safety through the independent control of the second handle.
2Reliability
If a lockout mechanism is added to prevent accidental firing, then safety is improved, but the stapler casing may crack if the handle is pressed vigorously
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the handle into two independent handles, the system allows vigorous pressing of the first handle without transmitting firing forces to the firing mechanism. The first handle's pressing action is mechanically decoupled from the firing trigger, so even vigorous pressing cannot cause accidental firing or damage the casing. The second handle remains the sole firing mechanism, maintaining safety while eliminating the risk of casing damage from improper operation.
3Ease of operation
If the first handle and second handle are linked, then operation is simplified, but accidental firing may occur when the stapler is not ready
Solution Approach 1:
The handle control is segmented into two independent handles with distinct functions. The first handle handles preparatory operations (clamping, positioning) without being mechanically linked to the firing mechanism. The second handle is exclusively responsible for firing and is only activated when the stapler is ready. This segmentation prevents accidental firing while maintaining operational simplicity through intuitive separate controls for preparation and firing actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary state through the first handle that mediates between operator input and the firing mechanism. The first handle serves as an intermediary control that allows operators to prepare the stapler without directly engaging the firing trigger. This intermediary control layer prevents accidental firing by decoupling preparatory actions from firing activation, while the second handle serves as the direct intermediary for intentional firing actions.
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
The solution allows only the second handle to fire the stapler, preventing accidental firing and maintaining structural stability by ensuring the first handle does not engage the second handle when the stapler is not ready, thus enhancing operator safety and experience.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring sleeved on the rotation center and two ends of the torsion spring respectively engaged with the housing and the second handle
Data Source
AI summary
A handle assembly and a surgical stapler including the handle assembly is provided, including a first handle and a second handle, both can rotate around a first pivot pin. Either the first or the second handle is provided with a slider and a sliding slot. When the slider moves from a first section of the sliding slot to a second section, the two handles become linked. The first handle can still be squeezed even if the stapler has not reached the firing position, but the second handle will not rotate and the stapler will not be fired; featured by the design of two torsion springs and two pivot pins, the first and the second handle are pivotally attached and can be rotated around the same rotation center that remains unchanged in both the insurance position and the firing position, rendering an enhanced stapler structure stability and improved operator experience.