Surgical Adapter Assembly Status Communication Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear clamping, cutting, and stapling surgical devices lack effective communication of loading unit status to the handle assembly, making it difficult to ensure proper coupling and disconnection for reuse or disposal.
Innovation Solution
An adapter assembly with a switch, sensor link, and annular member that toggles to communicate the loading unit's engagement status to the handle assembly, utilizing a resiliently biased annular member to prevent or allow movement of the sensor link, which actuates a switch upon proper coupling or disengagement of the loading unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a conventional linear surgical device is used without an adapter assembly, then the device structure is simpler, but the loading unit status cannot be communicated to the handle assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly serves as an intermediary component between the loading unit and handle assembly, containing a switch mechanism that detects loading unit engagement status and transmits this information to the handle assembly's circuit board, thereby resolving the information communication problem without requiring direct integration between loading unit and handle
2Reliability
If the annular member is resiliently biased toward the first orientation, then the switch is protected from accidental actuation, but the sensor link cannot move to the distal position to toggle the switch
Solution Approach 1:
The annular member is designed to be rotatable between two orientations rather than fixed, allowing the system to dynamically switch between a protected state (first orientation where appendage blocks sensor link) and an operational state (second orientation where sensor link can move freely to actuate the switch), resolving the contradiction between protection and operability
3Reliability
If the loading unit is securely coupled to the adapter assembly, then the connection is reliable, but the disconnection process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted into a separate locking link component that can independently engage with the loading unit, while the annular member handles the switching function. This separation allows the locking mechanism to provide secure connection without adding complexity to the disconnection process, as the locking link can be independently actuated
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
Ensures reliable communication of loading unit status to the handle assembly, facilitating secure coupling and easy disconnection, enhancing operational safety and efficiency by activating a motor upon successful engagement.
Implementation Method 1
The annular member is resiliently biased toward the first orientation
Implementation Method 2
The sensor link is longitudinally movable between a proximal position and a distal position
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter assembly includes an elongated body, a switch, a sensor link, and an annular member. The elongated body includes a distal portion configured to couple to a surgical loading unit. The distal portion defines a slot therein. The sensor link has a proximal end disposed adjacent the switch and a distal end disposed adjacent the distal portion of the elongated body. The sensor link is longitudinally movable between a proximal position and a distal position. The annular member has a protrusion movably disposed within the slot. The annular member is rotatable between a first orientation, in which the annular member prevents movement of the sensor link to the distal position, and a second orientation, in which the sensor link moves distally to toggle the switch. The annular member is resiliently biased toward the first orientation.