Surgical Stapler Powered Articulation Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic surgical stapling devices lack an efficient and easily controllable articulation mechanism that can be operated with minimal effort, especially for precise and fine position adjustments, and often require manual operation, which may not provide sufficient reliability and safety.
Innovation Solution
The surgical stapling apparatus incorporates an articulation mechanism with a motor assembly, a transmission shaft, gears, a clutch, and a yoke shaft, allowing for both electromechanical and manual operation, featuring a motor-powered articulation system with a variable speed switch and a manual override for enhanced control and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual articulation operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to insufficient control precision and increased operator effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely manual mechanical articulation system with an electromechanical system. A motor assembly (240) connected to a transmission shaft (242) provides powered rotation, substituting manual hand movements with automated motor control. This allows precise articulation control through electrical signals while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure through components like gears (244, 246), clutch (248), and yoke shaft (250).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic articulation mechanism where the tool assembly (17) can articulate to various angles relative to the longitudinal axis. The motor assembly enables dynamic adjustment of articulation position, allowing the system to transition between different operational states (straight, angled, fine-tuned positions) rather than being fixed or requiring complex manual manipulation for each position change.
2Ease of operation
If motor-powered articulation is implemented, then ease of operation improves with fine position control, but device complexity increases due to additional electromechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual mechanical manipulation with a motorized system. The motor assembly (240) with transmission shaft (242) converts electrical energy to rotational motion, eliminating the need for operators to manually manipulate complex mechanical linkages. This substitution reduces operational effort while the modular electromechanical components (gears, clutch, yoke shaft) maintain manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous adjustment of articulation parameters through motor control. The variable speed switch (234) allows dynamic change of motor rotation speed, providing fine control over articulation positioning. This parameter control approach simplifies operation compared to fixed mechanical mechanisms, as electronic parameter adjustment is more intuitive and precise than manual mechanical manipulation.
3Reliability
If manual articulation operation is used, then reliability is reduced due to operator fatigue, but ease of manufacture improves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual operation with motor-powered articulation to eliminate operator fatigue and improve reliability. The motor assembly (240) provides consistent, repeatable motion without the variability and fatigue associated with manual manipulation. While this adds electromechanical components, the overall manufacturing complexity remains manageable due to the modular design and use of standard mechanical components (gears, clutch, shafts) that can be manufactured using conventional processes.
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 and controlled articulation of the tool assembly with reduced manual effort, providing improved reliability and safety through a combination of motorized and manual operation, allowing for accurate and efficient surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
motor assembly (240) operatively connected to a transmission shaft (242)
Implementation Method 2
a first gear (244) mounted on the transmission shaft (242) and configured to engage a second gear (246)
Implementation Method 3
a clutch (248) interconnecting the second gear (246) and a main shaft (250)
Data Source
AI summary
The surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly, and an articulation mechanism for articulating a tool assembly. The articulation mechanism includes a first gear rotatably mounted on a transmission shaft and configured to engage a second gear, a clutch interconnecting the second gear and a main shaft; and a yoke shaft coupled to the main shaft and adapted to linearly advance a J-channel, the J-channel operatively connected to an articulation link. A motor assembly may rotate the transmission shaft of the articulation mechanism. Alternatively, the articulation mechanism may include an articulation knob. Users may manually rotate the articulation knob to articulate the tool assembly of the surgical stapling apparatus.