Surgical Instrument Brace-Pocket Locking Against End-Effector De-Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling and cutting instruments face challenges in efficiently stapling and cutting tissue with precise control over articulation and firing mechanisms, particularly in robotic and automated systems, leading to potential damage and misalignment issues.
Innovation Solution
A surgical tool assembly with an articulation joint and interchangeable surgical tool assemblies that include a handle assembly, closure drive system, and firing drive system, allowing for precise control over articulation, closure, and firing motions, with features like an articulation lock and firing member lockout to ensure proper cartridge seating and prevent inadvertent firing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If surgical instruments use articulatable end effectors with multiple moving parts to achieve precise positioning and articulation control, then the versatility and adaptability of the instrument is improved, but the device complexity and risk of component misalignment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft assembly is divided into multiple articulated segments (proximal spine segment, distal spine segment) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows complex articulation to be achieved through simpler individual joint movements, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation joint mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables end effector positioning, provides articulation control, and includes integrated lockout features for safety. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Reliability
If surgical instruments include multiple drive systems and lockout mechanisms to ensure precise control and prevent inadvertent firing, then the reliability of the instrument is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation lockout mechanism is designed to prevent firing before proper articulation is achieved. The lockout feature proactively blocks the firing mechanism until the articulation joint is in the correct position, ensuring reliable control while using a relatively simple mechanical interlock rather than a complex electronic control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation lockout mechanism acts as an intermediary between the articulation joint and the firing mechanism. It mediates the interaction by allowing firing only when articulation is proper, thereby ensuring reliability without requiring direct complex control between all system components.
3Strength
If the articulation joint uses a pin and slot mechanism with reinforcement features to maintain structural integrity during articulation, then the strength and durability of the instrument is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Reinforcement features are added only at critical locations in the articulation joint where stress concentration occurs during articulation. This localized reinforcement maintains structural integrity where needed while minimizing additional manufacturing complexity in non-critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation joint employs asymmetric pin and slot geometries with specific reinforcement features positioned to match the asymmetric stress distribution during articulation. This asymmetric design optimizes strength where required while simplifying manufacturing compared to symmetric over-engineering.
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical tool assembly is disclosed. The surgical tool assembly can include an end effector comprising an elongate channel configured to receive a fastener cartridge, and the elongate channel can comprise a brace. The surgical tool assembly can also include a shaft comprising an articulation drive assembly, wherein the articulation drive assembly comprises an articulation link pivotably coupled to the elongate channel. The articulation link comprises a pocket configured to receive the brace when the end effector is in a fully articulated configuration. The brace and the pocket can define complementary planar surfaces for resisting rotation of the brace within the pocket to resist de-articulation of the end effector when it is in its fully articulated configuration.