Surgical Stapler Articulation Mechanism Minimizing Dead Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical devices require increased dead space in the tool assembly to compensate for the change in stroke length when the tool assembly is articulated, which limits access and efficiency during endoscopic procedures.
Innovation Solution
The surgical stapling device incorporates an articulation mechanism with an adapter assembly and articulation links that adjust the position of the tool assembly relative to the drive assembly, using a barrel cam and pivot links to change the stroke length and minimize dead space, allowing for articulation without increasing the tool assembly's length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tool assembly is articulated to improve access to the surgical site, then the ability to reach difficult areas is improved, but the stroke length of the drive beam changes requiring increased dead space in the tool assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the drive beam flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to bend and adapt its shape as the tool assembly articulates. The flexible drive beam can dynamically change its configuration to maintain the required stroke length regardless of the articulation angle, eliminating the need for increased dead space while preserving articulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the drive beam from rigid to flexible, enabling it to accommodate varying stroke lengths required during articulation. This parameter change allows the drive beam to elongate or compress as needed to maintain full actuation capability across different articulation positions without requiring additional dead space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the drive beam is made flexible to accommodate articulation, then the ability to maintain stroke length during articulation is improved, but the complexity of the drive assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible drive beam that acts as a flexible structural element, replacing rigid beams with a component that can bend and flex. This flexible beam maintains structural integrity while accommodating articulation movements, simplifying the overall drive assembly by eliminating the need for complex articulated joint mechanisms within the beam itself.
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 enables efficient articulation of the tool assembly while maintaining a compact design, reducing the need for dead space and improving access to the surgical site during endoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the drive assembly includes a flexible drive beam and a clamp member that is supported on a distal end of the drive beam
Implementation Method 2
an articulation mechanism including an adapter cam and first and second articulation links, the adapter cam defining a first cam channel, a second cam channel, and a third cam channel
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical device includes an adapter assembly and a tool assembly that is coupled to the adapter assembly by a pivot member to facilitate articulation of the tool assembly in relation to the adapter assembly. The adapter assembly supports a drive assembly for actuating or firing the tool assembly. The adapter assembly includes an articulation mechanism that adjusts the position of the tool assembly in relation to the drive assembly to compensate for changes in stroke length of the drive assembly that result from articulation of the tool assembly.