One-Handed Surgical Stapler Reset Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staplers require two-handed operation for resetting, which is inconvenient and risky during minimally invasive surgeries, especially when dealing with thick or uneven tissues, and can lead to uncontrolled device displacement.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a control mechanism that includes a firing assembly, a reset mechanism, and a limiting assembly, allowing for one-handed operation by using a reset switch and transmission member to release the limit on the firing assembly, enabling it to move back and reset without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual reset knob is used for resetting the firing rack, then the reset function can be achieved, but two-handed operation is required which increases operational complexity and risk during minimally invasive surgeries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reset function with the existing trigger assembly by integrating a reset switch into the trigger assembly housing. This allows the reset operation to be performed using the same hand that operates the trigger, merging two previously separate operations into one integrated control system, thereby eliminating the need for two-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reset switch is designed to be operable by the same hand that pulls the trigger, allowing the device to reset itself without requiring external manual intervention from the other hand. The transmission member automatically translates the reset switch actuation into firing rack reset motion, enabling self-service reset functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the firing rack is allowed to move freely for reset, then reset functionality is achieved, but uncontrolled displacement may cause tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The limiting assembly is positioned to prevent the firing rack from moving backward (in the second direction) before reset is intentionally initiated. This preliminary constraint eliminates the risk of uncontrolled displacement causing tissue damage, while still allowing controlled reset motion when the reset switch is activated and the limiting assembly is deliberately disengaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The limiting assembly transitions from a static constraint to a dynamic, controllable limitation. When the reset switch is activated, the transmission member moves the limiting assembly to a position where it no longer restricts firing rack motion in the second direction, allowing controlled reset. This dynamic adjustment enables safe reset functionality while preventing harmful uncontrolled movement.
3Ease of operation
If a reset mechanism is added to enable one-handed operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger assembly housing serves multiple functions: it houses the trigger mechanism, provides structural support, and now also contains the reset switch and transmission member. By making the housing multi-functional, the patent adds reset capability without requiring a completely separate reset mechanism, thereby minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission member acts as an intermediary that translates the simple on/off action of the reset switch into the complex motion required to reset the firing rack. This intermediary component enables one-handed reset operation while keeping the reset control interface simple, balancing the added complexity with functional efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device includes an actuator, a connecting mechanism, and a control mechanism connected to the actuator by the connecting mechanism. The control mechanism includes a firing assembly, a limiting assembly connected to the firing assembly, and a reset mechanism connected to the limiting assembly. The firing assembly can move in a first direction after being fired to realize an action of the actuator. The limiting assembly can limit the firing assembly not to move in a second direction after the firing assembly moves in the first direction. After movement of the firing assembly is limited, the reset mechanism can adjust position of the limiting assembly to release the limit on the firing assembly and allow the firing assembly to move in the second direction. An operator can easily hold the medical device (e.g., a stapler) with one hand while completing a reset action of a firing rack.