Stapler Reload Retainer Structure for Compact Large-Staple Cartridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stapler instruments and their 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, limiting staple acceptance and firing capabilities.
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 assembly to be compact without sacrificing staple size, with the cover being removed before the retainer to prevent staple migration and deformation during transport and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If components like covers and retainers are included in the stapler reload assembly, then reliability is improved by preventing staple migration and deformation, but the transverse cross-sectional dimension increases, limiting staple size acceptance
Solution Approach 1:
The stapler reload assembly is divided into separable components: a cartridge body containing staples and a removable staple retainer. The retainer can be detached after installation, allowing the cartridge to have a compact transverse profile while still receiving protection during loading. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing reliability only when needed during transport and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The staple retainer is pre-installed on the cartridge body before shipping and installation. This preliminary protective action prevents staple migration and deformation during transit. After installation in the stapler, the retainer is removed to allow the compact cartridge design to be utilized, thus resolving the size-reliability tradeoff.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stapler reload assembly is designed with small transverse cross-sectional dimensions, then adaptability is improved for less invasive procedures, but the maximum staple size that can be accepted is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The stapler reload assembly employs a dynamic design where the staple retainer can be installed or removed based on the operational phase. During transport and installation, the retainer provides protection. During actual surgical use, the retainer is removed to accommodate larger staples, thus enabling adaptability across different procedural requirements without fixed size constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The staple retainer is designed to nest over the cartridge body during storage and transport, providing a compact configuration. When installation is required, the retainer can be easily removed to reveal the full staple capacity of the cartridge, effectively nesting the protective function within the compact design without permanently limiting staple size.
3Manufacturing precision
If components are added to retain staples during manufacture and shipping, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The staple retainer is extracted as a separate, removable component rather than being integrated permanently into the cartridge body. This allows the retainer to provide necessary protection during manufacturing and shipping, while its removability simplifies the overall device complexity by enabling easy installation and removal without requiring complex integrated mechanisms.
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 enables the stapler reload assembly to maintain a small overall size while accommodating larger staples, ensuring they remain intact until installation, reducing the risk of damage and facilitating easy assembly in the stapler instrument.
Implementation Method 1
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.
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.