Surgical Stapler Reversible Polarity Motor Reset
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical staplers lack a mechanism for reversible polarity, making it difficult to reset and reuse the device after a firing cycle, which limits their functionality in multiple firing applications and maintenance processes.
Innovation Solution
The surgical stapler incorporates a motor with a reversible polarity switch that allows the cam member to rotate in reverse direction, resetting the stapling head assembly from the fired position to the home position, enabling multiple firing cycles and facilitating maintenance by changing the battery pack's polarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stapler is designed for single-use firing, then reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to inability to reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by enabling the motor to rotate in reverse direction after firing. The polarity switch reverses the electrical polarity to the motor, causing the cam member to rotate backward and return the stapling head assembly to its initial position, thus enabling multiple firing cycles from a single device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the motor rotation direction changeable. The system transitions from fixed single-direction rotation to reversible bidirectional rotation controlled by the polarity switch, allowing the mechanism to adapt between firing mode (forward rotation) and resetting mode (reverse rotation)
2Device complexity
If the stapler uses fixed polarity motor, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to reset
Solution Approach 1:
The polarity switch enables reverse operation by inverting the electrical polarity to the motor. This simple component addition allows the cam member to rotate in reverse, returning the stapling head assembly to the home position without requiring complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-resetting through the reversible motor mechanism. After firing, activating the polarity switch automatically initiates the reverse rotation sequence that returns all moving components to their initial positions, eliminating the need for manual disassembly or complex reset procedures
3Manufacturing precision
If the cam member rotates in single direction, then manufacturing precision is simplified, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited firing cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The polarity switch provides adaptability by enabling reverse rotation of the cam member. This allows the system to complete full operational cycles multiple times - firing forward and resetting backward - transforming a single-use mechanism into a reusable one while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism implements periodic action through reversible rotation. The cam member alternates between forward rotation (firing phase) and reverse rotation (resetting phase), creating repeatable operational cycles that enhance the device's versatility for multiple firing applications
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 solution allows for multiple firing cycles and easy resetting of the stapler, enhancing its usability in procedures and maintenance, ensuring consistent performance and extending the device's operational life.
Implementation Method 1
a motor with a reversible polarity switch that allows the cam member to rotate in reverse direction
Data Source
AI summary
A method for resetting a stapling apparatus includes providing an apparatus with a cam member in a fired position. A circuit of the apparatus is then changed from a first polarity state to a second polarity state. A motor of the apparatus is then activated to rotate the cam member from a fired position back to a home position while the circuit is in the second polarity state.