Surgical Stapling Device Articulation Braking Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical stapling devices experience undesired tremors during firing due to inherent clearances in the reload assembly and firing forces, which are transferred to the tool assembly, affecting precision in articulation.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling device with a braking assembly that includes brake pads on either side of the articulation member, which engages to stabilize the articulation member when the device is fired, minimizing tremors by clamping the articulation member between the brake pads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the articulation rod is made movable between retracted and advanced positions to pivot the tool assembly, then the tool assembly can be articulated between non-articulated and articulated positions, but the articulation rod experiences tremors during firing that are transferred to the tool assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The braking assembly is designed to dynamically engage with the articulation rod only during the firing operation. The brake pads are positioned to contact the articulation rod when the trigger is pulled, providing stabilization precisely when needed, and disengage when not needed to maintain articulation freedom. This dynamic engagement resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake pads act as an intermediary element between the firing mechanism and the articulation rod. When engaged, they provide a stabilizing force that counteracts the tremors generated during firing without permanently constraining the articulation rod. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to achieve both articulation versatility and firing stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the braking assembly engages with the articulation member to stabilize it during firing, then tremors are reduced and precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking assembly is integrated into the existing body portion of the surgical stapling device. The brake pads are positioned within the body portion and engage with the articulation rod that passes through it, merging the braking function with the existing articulation mechanism rather than adding a separate, complex stabilization system.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake pads serve multiple functions: they stabilize the articulation rod during firing to reduce tremors, and they can be designed to engage and disengage automatically based on the firing state. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 braking assembly effectively stabilizes the articulation member during firing, reducing tremors and enhancing the precision and stability of the tool assembly, thereby improving the surgical stapling process.
Implementation Method 1
The braking assembly is movable from a first position in which the first brake pad is spaced from the articulation member to a second position in which the first brake pad is engaged with the articulation member
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapling device includes a body portion that defines a longitudinal axis and a tool assembly that articulates about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. The surgical stapling device includes an articulation member that is supported in the body portion and is movable between retracted and advanced positions to pivot the tool assembly between a non-articulated position and articulated positions. The body portion supports a braking assembly that moves into engagement with the articulation member to stabilize the articulation member when the surgical stapling device is fired.