Stapler Reload Assembly With Nested Retainer for Large Staples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stapler reload assemblies face a challenge in achieving a reduced transverse cross-sectional dimension while accommodating large staple sizes, as components like covers and retainers contribute to overall size, potentially causing staples and pushers to fall out during handling and installation.
Innovation Solution
The stapler reload assembly includes a removable staple retainer and cover with interlocking features that ensure an ordered sequence of removal, allowing the cartridge to be installed in a stapler instrument without losing staples or deforming components, by ensuring the cover is removed before the retainer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If components like covers and retainers are included in the stapler reload assembly, then staples and pushers are retained in place during manufacture and shipping, but the overall transverse cross-sectional dimension of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The staple retainer is positioned within the cartridge body housing, nesting the retention function inside the existing structure. The retainer covers the staple apertures from the interior, allowing retention without adding external transverse dimensions. This nesting approach enables the assembly to maintain small overall size while still preventing staples and pushers from falling out during handling and installation.
2Area of stationary object
If the transverse cross-sectional dimension of the stapler reload assembly is reduced, then the overall size is minimized for less invasive procedures, but the maximum size of staples that can be accepted is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge body housing is designed with an elongated longitudinal shape that extends in the length direction rather than expanding in transverse dimensions. This dimensional reorientation allows the assembly to accommodate larger staples by increasing length rather than width, enabling the stapler to accept bigger staples while maintaining a small transverse cross-sectional profile suitable for less invasive endoscopic procedures.
3Reliability
If a staple retainer is added to cover staple apertures, then staples are prevented from falling out, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The staple retainer is integrated with the cartridge body through removable coupling, merging the retention function with the existing cartridge structure. Rather than adding a completely separate component, the retainer is designed to work in conjunction with the cartridge body housing, reducing overall device complexity while still providing reliable staple retention during handling and installation.
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
This design maintains a small overall size profile while accommodating large staples, preventing loss or deformation during handling and installation, and facilitating easy assembly in the stapler instrument.
Implementation Method 1
The second handling portion is elastically deflectable about the flexure and relative to the main body portion of the staple retainer from a neutral, first position to a deflected second position
Data Source
AI summary
A stapler reload assembly includes a cartridge body. The cartridge body comprises a plurality of staple apertures configured to eject staples housed in the cartridge body and a staple retainer removably coupled to the cartridge body. The staple retainer comprises a main body portion configured to at least partially cover the plurality of staple apertures in a position of the staple retainer coupled to the cartridge body, a first handling portion extending from the main body portion at a distal end portion of the staple retainer, and a second handling portion proximal the first handling portion and coupled to the main body portion by a flexure. The second handling portion is elastically deflectable about the flexure and relative to the main body portion of the staple retainer from a neutral, first position to a deflected second position. Devices and methods relate to stapler reload assemblies.