Surgical Reload Coupling Lock With Spring Pins and Lock Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical apparatuses face challenges in securely fastening and quickly attaching/detaching disposable reloads, such as staplers or clip applicators, to surgical actuating devices during procedures, risking separation during actuation.
Innovation Solution
A coupling member system with a locking assembly, featuring spring pins and a lock plate, that securely attaches the reload to the surgical actuating device, utilizing a biasing mechanism and cammed inward movement to prevent separation, allowing easy installation and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple coupling mechanism is used to attach the reload to the surgical actuating device, then the attachment and detachment process is quick and easy, but the reliability of preventing separation during actuation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: spring pins for rapid engagement, cam surfaces for automatic locking, and a lock plate with window for secure retention. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling quick attachment while maintaining high reliability through the coordinated action of multiple specialized elements
Solution Approach 2:
The spring pins are pre-loaded with spring force and the cam surfaces are pre-configured in the coupling member. When the reload is attached, these preliminary actions automatically engage the locking mechanism without requiring additional steps, ensuring both speed of attachment and reliability of the locked state before actuation begins
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented to prevent separation during actuation, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded pins and cam surfaces that automatically engage and lock when the reload is attached to the surgical actuating device. The spring force and cam geometry inherently provide the locking action without requiring external actuators, motors, or complex control systems, thereby achieving high reliability with minimal added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated coupling mechanism: attachment, locking, and status indication are combined in the interaction between the spring pins, cam surfaces, and lock plate. This consolidation achieves secure reliable attachment without the need for separate complex subsystems for each function
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 the reload remains securely attached during actuation, facilitating quick attachment and detachment, and maintaining the reload's position on the surgical actuating device, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The spring pins being movable from an inward position to a radial outward position
Implementation Method 2
Contact between the tapered outer edges of the spring pins and an outer edge of the first coupling member cams the spring pins inwardly against the bias of the spring(s)
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical apparatus is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a surgical actuating device including a shaft supporting a first coupling member. The first coupling member includes one or more pairs of apertures. The reload includes a second coupling member including a locking assembly. The second coupling member includes a pair of spring pins positionable within the pair of apertures. The spring pins being movable from an inward position to a radial outward position. The locking assembly includes a lock plate that is moveable from a first position located between the spring pins to a second position spaced from the spring pins. In the radial outward position, the spring pins are received within the apertures of the first coupling member to secure the reload to the surgical actuating member and when the lock plate is in the first position, the reload cannot be separated from the surgical actuating device.