Surgical Stapler Tool Assembly Independent Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic surgical stapling devices face challenges in maneuverability due to limited degree of rotation and articulation, leading to increased procedural time and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling device with a tool assembly that is rotatably and pivotally supported on the endoscopic body portion, featuring a rigid tube with a rotation mechanism that translates knob rotation to the tool assembly through a flexible member, and an actuation system with firing and retraction cables for direct operation, allowing for independent rotation and articulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a planetary gear assembly is used for independent rotation of the fastener applying assembly, then the tool assembly can rotate independently, but the device complexity increases and the tool assembly lags behind the control actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotation function from the complex planetary gear assembly and implements it through a simplified direct-drive mechanism. The rotation control mechanism includes a rotation actuator that directly drives the fastener applying assembly through a flexible coupling, eliminating the need for planetary gears and reducing both complexity and lag.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical planetary gear transmission system with a more direct mechanical coupling system. The flexible coupling directly transmits rotational motion from the rotation actuator to the fastener applying assembly, substituting the complex multi-component gear system with a simpler direct-drive mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tool assembly is made rotatable and articulatable to improve maneuverability, then access to tissue is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control mechanisms into distinct independent systems: a rotation control mechanism for rotational movement and an articulation control mechanism for angular movement. Each mechanism independently controls its specific degree of freedom, allowing simplified control of each motion type while achieving overall maneuverability through combination of these independent segments.
3Ease of operation
If a flexible coupling is used to connect the rotation mechanism to the tool assembly, then independent rotation is enabled, but the responsiveness decreases due to lag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible coupling that functions as a thin-film element to transmit rotational motion. This flexible coupling maintains the independence of the rotation mechanism while minimizing lag through its flexible design, allowing rapid response by reducing the mass and compliance between the rotation actuator and the tool assembly.
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
Enhances the responsiveness and accessibility of the tool assembly, reducing the complexity and time required for surgical procedures by enabling more precise and efficient tissue manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible member which translates rotation of the rigid tube to the tool assembly
Implementation Method 2
the flexible member includes a coil spring
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapling device is disclosed which includes a handle assembly, an endoscopic body portion and a tool assembly. The tool assembly is rotatably and pivotally supported on a distal end of the endoscopic body portion. A tool assembly rotation mechanism is provided which includes a rotation knob, a substantially rigid tube and a flexible member interconnecting the rigid tube to the tool assembly. The substantially rigid tube translates rotation of the rotation knob to rotation of the flexible member and provides a channel for passage of other components of the surgical stapling device.