Surgical Stapler Closure Drive Linkage for Stable Firing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complex structure of existing surgical stapler closure drive mechanisms leads to high manufacturing and maintenance costs and uncertainty in closure control, affecting the surgical efficacy due to potential distal movement of the closure drive piece during firing.
Innovation Solution
A simplified closure drive mechanism featuring a linkage assembly with pivot portions and a movable handle that transitions between states to proximally drive the closure drive assembly, ensuring stable closure of the head assembly through a linkage assembly that maintains the closure state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex closure drive mechanism structure is used, then the closure drive piece can be actuated, but the manufacturing and maintenance cost increases and the closure control becomes uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The closure drive mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a closure drive member with pivot portion, a linkage assembly with first and second linkage members, and a head assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliable closure control through defined mechanical relationships between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the traditional approach by using a movable handle that rotates to drive the closure drive piece proximally through the linkage assembly, rather than using a complex linear actuation system. This rotational-to-translational motion conversion simplifies the mechanism while ensuring stable closure control through the geometric constraints of the linkage geometry.
2Ease of manufacture
If a complex closure drive mechanism structure is used, then the closure drive piece can be actuated, but the manufacturing and maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the closure drive mechanism into standardized components (closure drive member, linkage assembly, head assembly), each can be manufactured independently using conventional machining processes. The pivot portions and linkage members are simple geometric shapes that are easy to fabricate and assemble, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost compared to integrated complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage assembly serves multiple functions: it converts rotational motion of the movable handle to proximal movement of the closure drive piece, maintains closure control stability, and guides the motion path. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall structure and reducing manufacturing requirements.
3Reliability
If the closure drive mechanism allows movement during firing, then the firing process can proceed, but the closure state becomes unstable affecting surgical effect
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage assembly is designed with specific geometric relationships between the first and second linkage members that create a mechanical constraint system. This dynamic constraint allows the closure drive piece to move proximally during closure while preventing distal movement during firing, maintaining closure state stability through the inherent geometry of the linkage rather than additional locking mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A closure drive mechanism and a surgical stapler are provided, including: a linkage assembly including a first pivot portion and a second pivot portion, where the first pivot portion is configured to be pivotally connected to the instrument body, and the second pivot portion is configured to be located on a proximal side of the first pivot portion; a movable handle including a first mating portion; a closure drive assembly configured to be pivotally connected to the second pivot portion of the linkage assembly. When the linkage assembly is in a first state and the movable handle rotates in a first direction, the first mating portion drives the linkage assembly to enter a second state, the second pivot portion of the linkage assembly moves proximally and drives the closure drive assembly to move proximally, so the stapler is closed.