Powered Stapling Device Pinion Disengagement Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Powered surgical stapling devices often face challenges when power is lost or components break, leading to the device becoming clamped on tissue and unable to be removed from a patient.
Innovation Solution
A powered surgical device with a handle assembly that includes a motor assembly, a rack, a shaft, and a pinion, where the shaft is movable to disengage the pinion from the rack, allowing for manual retraction of the rack and facilitating removal of the device from a patient even when power is lost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a powered stapling device uses a motor assembly to actuate the stapling device, then less force is required to operate the device, but the device cannot be removed from the patient when power is lost or components break
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into a motor assembly with a rack and pinion gear system, and a separate manual retraction mechanism. The manual retraction mechanism includes a retraction cord that can independently retract the drive assembly from the tool assembly without requiring motor power, allowing the device to be removed even when the motor fails.
Solution Approach 2:
A retraction cord acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the drive assembly. The cord passes through the tool assembly and connects to the drive assembly, allowing manual force to be transmitted to retract the drive assembly without requiring the motor assembly to be functional.
2Productivity
If the drive assembly remains engaged with the tool assembly, then the device can perform stapling functions, but the device cannot be removed from the patient when power is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the drive assembly and tool assembly is made dynamic rather than fixed. The retraction mechanism allows the drive assembly to be easily disengaged from the tool assembly by pulling the retraction cord, transitioning from an engaged state (for stapling) to a disengaged state (for removal) without requiring motor power.
3Reliability
If the device includes a manual retraction mechanism, then the device can be removed when power is lost, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction function is extracted as a separate, simple mechanism independent of the motor assembly. The retraction cord and associated components are minimal in number and complexity, providing the essential safety function of device removal without adding significant complexity to the overall system.
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 safe and efficient manual retraction of the device, preventing tissue damage and allowing for easy removal from a patient in case of power loss or device malfunction.
Implementation Method 1
a pinion that couples the motor assembly to the rack. The shaft supports the pinion and is movable to move the pinion from a first position engaged with the rack to a second position disengaged from the rack
Data Source
AI summary
A powered handle assembly includes a motor assembly, a rack, a shaft, and a pinion that couples the motor assembly to the rack. The shaft supports the pinion and is movable to move the pinion from a first position engaged with the rack to a second position disengaged from the rack to facilitate manual retraction of the rack.