Surgical Stapling Coupling Assembly Keyway Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling devices face issues with proper engagement of the loading unit components to the stapling device, leading to instability and wobbling during firing and retraction due to multiple components with clearance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modified coupling assembly featuring a body portion with a housing, base member, and drive assembly, including keyways and locking tabs, ensures secure engagement of the tool assembly to the body portion, allowing axial and rotational movement for reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple components with clearances are used to couple the loading unit to the stapling device, then the coupling mechanism can accommodate movement and positioning, but the tool assembly experiences wobbling during firing and retraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate coupling components into a single integrated coupling assembly that includes both the coupling member and the tool assembly as one unified structure. This integration eliminates the clearance gaps between separate components while maintaining the necessary movement accommodation through the unified structure's design features.
2Device complexity
If a simple coupling mechanism is used to attach the loading unit, then the device structure remains simple, but proper engagement of components cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly incorporates asymmetric features including a non-circular coupling member that engages with corresponding asymmetric receptacles. This asymmetric design provides unique orientation and engagement features that ensure proper component alignment and engagement while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If clearances are provided between coupling components, then assembly and disassembly are facilitated, but the loaded unit becomes loose and unstable during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly incorporates dynamic features that allow controlled movement during assembly and disassembly phases, then transition to a locked stable state during operation. The design includes movable elements that can be easily positioned during assembly but then secure firmly to eliminate looseness during firing and retraction operations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A~3
AI summary
A surgical stapling device includes a body portion and a tool assembly. The body portion includes a base member that defines a longitudinal slot and spaced keyways. The tool assembly includes a mounting member that defines a channel having an open end that is dimensioned to receive the base member of the body portion. The mounting member includes locking tabs that are positioned within the channel. Each of the locking tabs is configured to be received within one of the spaced keyways of the base member to releasably secure the tool assembly to the body portion.