Surgical Stapler Loading Unit Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling devices face challenges in the ease of loading and unloading of replaceable loading units, which hinders efficient staple application and tissue handling during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling device with a locking structure that includes a locking shaft and button assembly, allowing for secure mounting and easy removal of the loading unit, featuring a guiding channel and lug system for precise engagement and disengagement, enhancing the usability and efficiency of staple application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking structure is implemented to secure the loading unit, then reliability of staple application is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking shaft with engaging surfaces, lugs on the loading unit, and guiding channels in the elongated housing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall reliability of the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking structure utilizes the inherent geometry of the lugs and guiding channels to automatically guide and secure the loading unit during insertion. The engaging surfaces on the locking shaft work passively with the lugs, requiring minimal active control while ensuring reliable locking through the self-aligning nature of the guiding channels.
2Reliability
If a locking structure with engaging surfaces is used to secure the loading unit, then reliability of mounting is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lugs on the loading unit serve as intermediaries between the locking shaft and the elongated housing. These lugs engage with the guiding channels and locking shaft, facilitating smooth insertion and secure mounting while maintaining ease of operation through their strategically positioned engaging surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex active locking mechanism that requires significant force or complex operations to secure, the design inverts the approach by using passive guiding channels and engaging surfaces that naturally guide the loading unit into place during insertion, making the locking action occur automatically as part of the loading process.
3Ease of operation
If guiding channels are added to the elongated housing for engagement with lugs, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding channels in the elongated housing serve multiple functions: they guide the lugs during insertion, provide structural support for the locking mechanism, and define the engagement geometry between the loading unit and the device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapling device has an elongated body and a removable loading unit and a securing structure for securing the loading unit onto the elongated body. A guiding ramp guides the movement of the loading unit as it is mounted onto the loading portion. The locking structure has a first position for locking movement of the loading unit and enabling firing rod to engage the loading unit. The locking unit has a second position for allowing the loading unit to be disengaged and removed from the device.