Surgical Stapler Soft Stop for Precise Anvil Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical staplers often require precise positioning and repositioning of the anvil assembly to secure soft tissue, especially during surgical procedures, but existing staplers do not provide a mechanism for easy and efficient repositioning of the anvil assembly, which can lead to inaccurate deployment of staples, and the anvil assembly, which can result in an inaccurate deployment of the staples, which can result in an inaccurate deployment of the staples, which can result in an inaccurate staple deployment.
Innovation Solution
The surgical stapler includes a soft stop mechanism that allows for precise repositioning of the anvil assembly, enabling the surgeon to adjust the staple deployment without releasing the clamping force, ensuring accurate staple placement and tissue securing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the anvil assembly is repositioned by releasing the clamping force, then the anvil can be moved to a new position, but the tissue securing is lost during repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
A release mechanism acts as an intermediary between the anvil assembly and the clamping force. This mechanism allows the anvil to be repositioned while maintaining continuous tissue securing through a second jaw member, eliminating the need to completely release the clamping force during repositioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static clamping state to a dynamic repositioning state and back to static. The release mechanism enables controlled dynamic movement of the anvil assembly while maintaining overall system functionality for tissue securing throughout the process.
2Measurement precision
If the anvil assembly is repositioned multiple times, then accurate staple deployment can be achieved, but the surgical procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is pre-configured to allow rapid anvil repositioning without requiring complete release of clamping force. This preliminary setup enables quick adjustments to achieve accurate staple deployment while minimizing the time lost during repositioning operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the anvil assembly is held in a fixed position, then stable tissue clamping is maintained, but the ability to adjust staple deployment position is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping function is segmented into two independent jaw members. The first jaw member maintains stable tissue clamping while the second jaw member (anvil assembly) can be independently repositioned through the release mechanism, allowing both stability and adjustability to coexist.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a drive member movable by a drive motor between a home position and an end of stroke. A mechanical stop is disposed at or near the end of stroke and is structured to increase resistance to movement of the drive member from a first position to a second position. A control system detects a current spike associated with the increased resistance and interrupts power to the drive motor.