Stapler with Sequential Ejection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical staplers require significant operator force for simultaneous ejection of staples, leading to increased burden and potential displacement during suturing, especially when dealing with tissues that contain fluids or gases.
Innovation Solution
A stapler design featuring a holder with an accommodating portion for staples, pushers that eject staples in groups, and a driving-force transmitting mechanism connected to each pusher to restrict movement to the push-out direction, allowing for sequential ejection of staples and reduced operator force, while preventing displacement and facilitating fluid/gas escape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If all staples are simultaneously pushed out, then suturing speed is improved, but operator force requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single ejection action into multiple sequential ejection actions by providing multiple pushers (first pusher, second pusher, etc.) that eject staples in groups or individually at different times. This segmentation reduces the force required at any single moment while maintaining overall productivity.
2Force
If sequential ejection of staples is implemented, then operator force requirement is reduced, but suturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pushers into a single integrated structure that can be actuated together or in sequence. By providing a unified pushing portion with multiple ejection surfaces, the system merges the functionality of multiple ejection mechanisms while maintaining the ability to eject staples in groups, thereby reducing total suturing time compared to truly sequential individual ejection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic ejection actions where staples are ejected in cycles or sequences rather than all at once or one at a time. The multiple pushers are configured to eject staples in periodic groups, balancing force requirements with time efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If multiple pushers are used for sequential ejection, then operator burden is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pusher mechanisms into a single integrated pushing portion structure. The first pusher, second pusher, and subsequent pushers are combined into one component with multiple ejection surfaces, reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining sequential ejection capability. This merging approach reduces device complexity compared to having completely separate pusher assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The pushing portion serves multiple functions: it acts as both the first pusher and second pusher (and potentially more), providing universal ejection capability for multiple groups of staples. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the device.
4Force
If staples are ejected in groups, then force distribution is improved, but control precision over individual staple placement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides different ejection surface configurations on the pushing portion for different groups of staples. The first pushing surface, second pushing surface, and subsequent surfaces can have different geometries, positions, or orientations optimized for their specific ejection requirements. This local quality differentiation maintains precision control for each group while benefiting from force distribution.
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 stapler reduces operator burden and ensures stable suturing by allowing sequential ejection of staples, preventing displacement, and enabling efficient suturing of tissues with fluids or gases by controlling the order of staple deployment.
Implementation Method 1
an anvil that presses and deforms the staples pushed out from the accommodating portion by the pushers
Data Source
AI summary
A stapler according to the present invention is provided with: a holder provided with an accommodating portion that accommodates a plurality of staples with tips thereof, which pass through a suturing target, directed in one direction; a plurality of pushers that push out the staples accommodated in the accommodating portion in accordance with a plurality of groups thereof; an anvil that presses and deforms the staples pushed out from the accommodating portion by the pushers; driving-force transmitting mechanisms that are respectively connected to the individual pushers, in which the movement thereof in directions other than the directions in which the staples are pushed out is restricted at the individual connection portions, and that transmit driving forces that move the individual pushers toward the anvil.