Surgical Adapter Annular Member Rotation for Connection Status Detection
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear clamping, cutting, and stapling surgical devices lack a reliable method to determine whether a surgical loading unit is properly connected to the adapter assembly, which can lead to improper function and safety issues during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An adapter assembly with an elongated body, a circuit assembly, and an annular member that includes an electrical contact, allowing the annular member to rotate between isolated and connected orientations, communicating the proper connection status to the handle assembly through a processor, and featuring a locking link for secure engagement with the surgical loading unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional linear clamping, cutting, and stapling surgical devices are used, then the surgical procedures can be performed, but there is no reliable method to determine whether a surgical loading unit is properly connected to the adapter assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the annular member's rotation status (connected or isolated from circuit assembly) provides real-time information to the handle assembly about the loading unit's connection status. The processor receives electrical signals from the circuit assembly through the annular member's electrical contact, enabling the system to detect and respond to proper or improper connection states, thereby resolving the information loss about connection status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional purely mechanical connection mechanisms with an electromechanical system. The annular member serves as both a mechanical rotating component and an electrical connector, substituting simple mechanical engagement with an integrated system that combines mechanical rotation, electrical contact, and digital signal processing to determine connection status reliably.
2Loss of information
If the annular member is made rotatable to indicate connection status, then communication of connection status is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as a mechanical rotating element for engagement, an electrical connector through its electrical contact, and a positional indicator for connection status. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while enabling comprehensive connection status communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mechanical rotation mechanism with the electrical connection system into a single integrated annular member structure. The electrical contact is incorporated directly into the rotating annular member, combining what could be separate components into one unified element, thus minimizing the added complexity while achieving the information communication goal.
3Loss of information
If electrical contact is made through the rotatable annular member, then connection status can be communicated, but the reliability of electrical connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The annular member's rotation itself serves to both establish and indicate the electrical connection status. When the loading unit is properly connected and the annular member rotates to the correct position, the electrical contact is automatically made or broken, making the positional state self-indicating. This self-service mechanism ensures that the electrical connection state reliably reflects the mechanical connection status without requiring additional sensors or indicators.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter assembly includes an elongated body, a circuit assembly, and an annular member. The elongated body includes a proximal portion configured to couple to a handle assembly, and a distal portion configured to couple to a surgical loading unit. The circuit assembly is disposed within the distal portion of the elongated body and configured to be in communication with a handle assembly. The annular member is rotatably disposed within the distal portion of the elongated body and includes an electrical contact. The annular member is rotatable between a first orientation, in which the electrical contact of the annular member is electrically isolated from the circuit assembly, and a second orientation, in which the electrical contact of the annular member is electrically connected to the circuit assembly.