Surgical Stapler Safety Apparatus Gap Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surgical staplers face inaccuracies in the opening and closing of their safety mechanisms due to variations in the stapling gap and operator technique, leading to potential triggering errors.

Innovation Solution

A surgical stapler design featuring a safety apparatus with a safety piece and fixing block, utilizing a transmission assembly with a screw rod, positioning connecting rod, and gap regulator, along with an ejector sleeve, to ensure precise and synchronized movement, preventing abnormal triggering through elastic contact and spring mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the opening range of the safety apparatus is enlarged to accommodate variations in stapling gap, then the adaptability improves, but the measurement precision deteriorates leading to indicator error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to stapling gap variationsVSAvoidsafety apparatus triggering precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the safety apparatus continuously monitors the actual stapling gap through the transmission assembly and automatically adjusts the trigger point. The transmission assembly converts the stapling gap variation into corresponding movement of the safety indicator, providing real-time feedback that compensates for gap variations and maintains precise triggering accuracy across different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of safety apparatus positioning by introducing an adjustable mechanism that modifies the trigger point based on the actual stapling gap. The transmission assembly translates gap parameter variations into corresponding safety indicator position adjustments, allowing the system to adapt to different stapling depths while maintaining precise triggering control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If the safety apparatus structure is simplified for easier assembly, then the ease of manufacture improves, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential triggering errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly convenienceVSAvoidtriggering accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the safety apparatus into modular segments including the safety indicator, transmission assembly, and connection components. Each segment can be independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the functional integrity needed for reliable triggering. The segmented design allows for easier quality control and assembly without compromising the interlocking mechanisms that ensure accurate triggering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If the safety apparatus is made sensitive to operator technique variations, then the measurement precision improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetriggering accuracyVSAvoidoperator technique sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the safety apparatus automatically compensates for operator technique variations through its transmission assembly. The system self-adjusts the trigger point based on the actual stapling gap achieved, eliminating the need for operator intervention or precise manual calibration. This maintains high triggering accuracy while significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

The solution provides a reliable and automatic safety mechanism that prevents operation failures by ensuring precise triggering, simplifying assembly and use, and reducing manual regulation needs, making it suitable for wide application.

Implementation Method 1

At least one spring is disposed inside the fixing block to ensure elasticity of the safety piece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9770242B2Surgical stapler comprising safety apparatus

Publication Date: 2017.09.26 B J ZH F PANTHER MEDICAL EQUIP

AI summary

A surgical stapler including a safety apparatus, including: a stapler part, a fixed handle, a safety apparatus, a transmission assembly, a propulsion assembly, and a trigger handle. The safety apparatus includes a safety piece and a fixing block. The propulsion assembly includes an ejector sleeve. The safety apparatus is fixed on the propulsion assembly and contacts with a surface of the transmission assembly. The safety piece is disposed inside the fixing block. At least one spring is disposed inside the fixing block to ensure elasticity of the safety piece.