Surgical Handle Articulation Assembly for Precise Angular Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapler handle assemblies lack an efficient articulation mechanism that allows for precise angular adjustment of the reloadable cartridge assembly, limiting the device's versatility and effectiveness in various surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The articulation assembly includes a knob, a cam, a lock core, a sliding link, and an articulation arm, which work together to maintain the reloadable cartridge assembly in various operation positions, allowing it to rotate up to 90 degrees, enabling precise angular adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a surgical stapler uses a fixed handle assembly without articulation mechanism, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the device lacks versatility and cannot adapt to various surgical procedures requiring different angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed handle assembly into a dynamic system with articulation capability. The handle assembly incorporates a articulation mechanism with a articulation arm, cam, and locking mechanism that allows the handle to rotate and lock at multiple angular positions (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°). This enables the surgical stapler to adapt to different surgical angles and procedures while maintaining structural reliability through positive locking at each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the handle assembly into separate functional components: a fixed housing, a movable articulation arm, a cam mechanism, and a locking system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to provide versatile articulation. The articulation arm can be adjusted to different angles and locked in place, providing adaptability without requiring the entire handle assembly to be complex and unwieldy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the surgical stapler includes an articulation mechanism for angular adjustment, then the device can be positioned at specific angles for diverse procedures, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation mechanism transforms the static handle assembly into a dynamic system capable of angular adjustment. The mechanism includes a articulation arm that can rotate relative to the handle housing, a cam that converts rotational motion of a knob into linear motion to engage disengage locking lugs, and a spring-loaded locking system. This allows the handle to be dynamically adjusted to various angles (0°, 45°, 90°, etc.) and securely locked in each position, providing adaptability for diverse surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary locking mechanism (locking lugs, cam, and spring system) to mediate between the user's adjustment input and the final locked position of the articulation arm. The cam acts as an intermediary that translates the user's rotational input through the locking lugs to securely engage the articulation arm at the desired angle. This intermediary mechanism provides precise angular positioning and secure locking without requiring the entire structure to be overly complex.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the handle assembly is made robust and fixed to ensure reliability, then the device is stable and easy to operate, but it cannot be adjusted to different positions for various surgical scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the handle assembly adjustable rather than fixed. The articulation mechanism allows the handle to be dynamically repositioned to different angles (0°, 45°, 90°, etc.) depending on the surgical requirements. The spring-loaded locking system automatically engages to maintain stability at each position, while the cam-operated knob provides simple user control for adjustment. This maintains operational simplicity while enabling position adjustment for various surgical scenarios.
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 solution enhances the surgical stapler's versatility by allowing the reloadable cartridge assembly to be positioned at specific angles, improving the device's ability to effectively clamp and staple tissue in diverse surgical scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring can be positioned between the first roller and the second roller and can be configured to bias the first roller and the second roller between the lock core and the top housing to maintain the knob in the first position
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes apparatuses for a surgical handle assembly. An example apparatus includes a reloadable cartridge assembly and a surgical handle assembly including an articulation assembly configured to maintain the reloadable cartridge assembly in a first operation position, the articulation assembly comprising a knob in a first position, a lock core coupled to the knob, a housing, a first roller and a second roller, and a first spring, wherein the first roller is positioned on a first end of the first spring and the second roller is positioned on a second end of the first spring, and wherein the first spring is configured to bias the first roller and the second roller between the lock core and the housing to maintain the knob in the first position.