Surgical Stapler Adapter Assembly With Shifted Rotation-Articulation Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powered surgical stapling devices with end effector articulation and rotation mechanisms are complex and expensive due to the need for decoupling rotary motor output from linear moving shaft components, which complicates the design.
Innovation Solution
A powered surgical stapling device with an adapter assembly that includes a shifter mechanism and articulation gear, allowing for the shifter shaft to move between rotate and articulate positions, enabling seamless rotation and articulation of the end effector without the need for complex decoupling mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If stationary motors are used in the handle assembly to power articulation, then articulation function is achieved, but device complexity increases due to decoupling of rotary motor output from linear moving shaft components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rotation and articulation functions into a single integrated adapter assembly. The shifter mechanism allows the drive shaft to alternately engage with either the rotation gear (for rotation) or the articulation gear (for articulation), eliminating the need for separate stationary motors in the handle assembly and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic shifter mechanism that allows the drive shaft to dynamically switch between powering rotation and articulation. This dynamic engagement replaces the static, decoupled motor design, enabling a single rotary motor to perform multiple functions through time-multiplexed power transmission.
2Adaptability or versatility
If decoupling of rotary motor output from linear moving shaft components is implemented, then articulation and rotation are achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly serves multiple functions: it provides both rotation and articulation capabilities, and houses the shifter mechanism that enables a single drive shaft to power both functions. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components compared to separate motor assemblies, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining the rotation gear, articulation gear, and shifter mechanism into a single adapter assembly, the patent reduces the total component count and simplifies assembly procedures, leading to lower manufacturing costs while maintaining full articulation and rotation capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex decoupling mechanisms are used to accomplish articulation and rotation, then functional operations are achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shifter mechanism provides dynamic engagement between the drive shaft and the gear train, allowing the system to switch between rotation and articulation modes. This dynamic approach replaces complex static decoupling mechanisms, simplifying the overall device design while maintaining full functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A powered stapling device includes an adapter assembly that includes an outer tube, a shifter mechanism, an articulation gear, and a rotate gear. The rotate gear is secured to the outer tube such that rotation of the rotate gear causes rotation of the outer tube. The shifter mechanism includes a shifter shaft that supports a shifter gear. The shifter shaft is movable to move the shifter gear between a rotate position in which rotation of the articulation gear causes rotation of the rotate gear and the outer tube and an articulate position in which the shifter gear prevents or locks rotation of the rotate gear and the outer tube.