Surgical Stapling Apparatus Retractable Firing System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Prior surgical stapling apparatuses face issues with the control rod inadvertently advancing out of the casing before attaching the disposable loading unit, leading to confusion and unnecessary downtime, and the firing bar often gets jammed, making it difficult to retract.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling apparatus with a handle assembly and actuation shaft that includes a retraction system to automatically retract the actuation shaft to the fully retracted position after firing, and a disposable loading unit with a drive beam assembly and energy storing member to facilitate easy attachment and firing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control rod is allowed to advance freely during operation, then the firing mechanism can be activated, but the control rod may inadvertently advance out of the casing before attaching the disposable loading unit, leading to confusion and unnecessary downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction system performs preliminary action by automatically retracting the control rod to a safe position within the casing after the disposable loading unit is attached. This preliminary retraction prevents the control rod from inadvertently advancing out of the casing during subsequent operations, eliminating confusion and downtime while maintaining ease of attachment.
2Reliability
If the firing bar is designed to be robust for reliable firing, then the firing function is ensured, but the firing bar may get jammed and become difficult to retract
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction system acts as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates the retraction of the firing bar after it has performed its firing function. This intermediary system includes components such as a retraction shaft, springs, and cam mechanisms that work together to automatically retract the firing bar from the fired position back to the ready position, preventing jams and ensuring smooth operation without compromising firing reliability.
3Productivity
If the actuation shaft is made movable for firing operation, then the firing sequence can be executed, but manual retraction becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction system implements self-service by automatically retracting the actuation shaft after firing without requiring manual intervention. The system uses stored energy from springs or elastic elements that are compressed during the firing stroke to automatically return the actuation shaft to its initial position, thereby eliminating time loss associated with manual retraction operations.
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 solution enables seamless attachment of the disposable loading unit and automatic retraction of the actuation shaft, reducing operational confusion and downtime, and simplifies the firing process by using an energy storing mechanism to assist in the retraction of the drive beam assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storing member configured to interact with the drive beam assembly to store energy as the drive beam assembly is driven in the distal direction and release the stored energy to assist retracting the drive beam assembly when the drive beam assembly is retracted in the proximal direction
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapling apparatus configured for use with disposable loading units. In various embodiments, the surgical stapling apparatus includes a retraction system that interfaces with an actuation shaft that is movably supported within a handle housing. The actuation shaft is configured to move axially within the handle housing from a fully retracted position to a fully fired position in response to manipulation of a movable handle operably mounted to the handle housing. The retraction system serves to automatically retract the actuation shaft to the fully retracted position when the actuation shaft has moved to the fully fired position.