Articulatable Surgical Instrument Clutching and Locking Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling systems face challenges in efficiently stapling and cutting tissue due to varying tissue types and properties, requiring adaptable systems that can adjust closure forces and firing forces to accommodate different tissue conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of a surgical stapling system with a progressive closure drive system and articulation mechanism, which includes a dual biasing mechanism for the closure drive and an articulation joint, allowing for adjustable closure forces and precise tissue engagement, along with an articulation drive system for flexible end effector positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional surgical stapling system is used, then the structure is simple, but the closure forces and firing forces cannot be adjusted for different tissue types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a progressive closure drive system where the closure member progresses through multiple positions (first, second, third positions) with varying closure forces. The system transitions from a static force application to a dynamic, multi-stage closure process that adapts to different tissue types, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by introducing controlled dynamism into the closure mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure drive system is segmented into multiple distinct phases with different force characteristics. The closure member is divided into functional segments that engage with different cam surfaces or drive elements at different positions, allowing each segment to provide optimized force for specific tissue conditions. This segmentation enables force adjustment without requiring a completely separate system for each tissue type.
2Reliability
If high closure forces are applied to ensure effective tissue engagement, then tissue engagement is enhanced, but tissue trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The progressive closure drive system applies closure forces dynamically across multiple positions rather than a single high-force application. The closure member progresses through staged positions where force is gradually applied and adjusted, ensuring reliable tissue engagement while distributing the mechanical stress to minimize trauma. This dynamic force application resolves the contradiction by replacing static high force with controlled, progressive force delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates biasing mechanisms (springs or elastic elements) that pre-load and cushion the closure forces. These biasing elements absorb excess force and provide a cushioning effect during tissue engagement, ensuring sufficient clamping force for reliable stapling while preventing excessive force that would cause trauma. The cushioning mechanism operates beforehand and throughout the closure process to protect tissue from harmful forces.
3Device complexity
If the articulation drive system remains engaged during firing, then the mechanism is simple, but unintended articulation movement occurs during firing
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs a preliminary disengagement of the articulation drive system before the firing sequence begins. This preliminary action ensures that the articulation mechanism is decoupled from the firing drive, preventing any unintended articulation movement during firing. By preparing the system in advance to eliminate potential interference, the patent maintains simplicity while ensuring firing accuracy through proactive prevention of the problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation drive system is selectively extracted or disengaged from the firing drive system during the firing operation. The clutch mechanism allows the articulation drive to be removed from the power transmission path when firing occurs, isolating the firing function from articulation control. This extraction ensures that firing forces are transmitted directly without being influenced by articulation mechanism dynamics, maintaining both simplicity and reliability.
4Reliability
If the closure member is pre-loaded against tissue, then tissue engagement is improved, but the system requires higher firing forces
Solution Approach 1:
The progressive closure drive system dynamically adjusts the relationship between closure force and firing force through its multi-position mechanism. As the closure member progresses through its stroke, the system optimizes force distribution so that pre-loading improves tissue engagement while the mechanical advantage ratios change to manage firing force requirements. This dynamic force management resolves the contradiction by allowing favorable force conditions at different stages of the operation rather than requiring high forces throughout.
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
This system reduces the required closure and firing forces, enhances tissue engagement, and facilitates efficient stapling and cutting across varying tissue types, improving surgical precision and reducing tissue trauma.
Implementation Method 1
a dual biasing mechanism for the closure drive and an articulation joint, allowing for adjustable closure forces
Implementation Method 2
an articulation drive system for flexible end effector positioning
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical instrument that includes a surgical end effector as well as a first drive member and a second drive member that are configured to apply actuation motions to the surgical end effector. A drive clutch assembly operably interfaces with the first and second drive members and is configured to move between an engaged position wherein the second drive member is linked to the first drive member and a second disengaged position wherein the first drive member is independently movable. A lock assembly is configured to move between a locked position wherein the second drive member is prevented from moving and an unlocked position wherein the second drive member is movable.