Surgical Stapler Interlock Assembly Relocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The sterilization and cleaning of surgical stapling devices are complicated due to the location of interlock assembly components on elongated bodies or adapter assemblies, making it difficult to maintain hygiene.

Innovation Solution

The interlock assembly is designed to be located on the loading units, featuring a shell member, collar member, and adapter assembly, with a torsion spring biasing the collar member to a locked position, allowing for secure attachment and easy detachment of the loading units, thereby isolating the interlock components from the actuation unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the interlock assembly components are located on the actuation unit or adapter assemblies, then the surgical device can function properly, but the sterilization and cleaning process becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional operationVSAvoidsterilization and cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical device is divided into separate components: the actuation unit and the loading unit. The interlock assembly components (collar member, lugs, slots) are relocated to the loading unit, which can be detached and sterilized separately. This segmentation allows the interlock components to be isolated from the actuation unit, simplifying the sterilization process while maintaining functional integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interlock assembly components are extracted from the actuation unit and transferred to the loading unit. This extraction removes the problematic components from the portion of the device that requires complex sterilization, allowing the loading unit with interlock components to be sterilized as a separate, simpler unit while the actuation unit can be sterilized independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of manufacture

If the interlock assembly components are relocated to the loading units, then the sterilization process is simplified, but the attachment and detachment mechanism must be redesigned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization and cleaningVSAvoidattachment mechanism design

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collar member is designed with rotational movement capability, transitioning between a locked position (engaging lugs in slots) and an unlocked position (releasing lugs). This dynamic mechanism provides secure attachment during use while allowing easy detachment when needed, resolving the design challenge of relocating interlock components to the loading unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The collar member acts as an intermediary element between the loading unit and the actuation unit/adapter assembly. It mediates the attachment and detachment functions by engaging or disengaging the lugs from the adapter assembly slots, providing a simple yet effective connection mechanism that simplifies the overall design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the collar member is designed with multiple slots and lugs for secure attachment, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidslot and lug alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The collar member features an asymmetric design with slots positioned at specific angular intervals and lugs with corresponding geometries. This asymmetry ensures proper orientation and alignment during attachment, guiding the lugs into the slots automatically while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The slot and lug design serves multiple functions: it provides secure mechanical engagement, guides alignment during attachment, and allows for easy detachment. The standardized geometry of slots and lugs enables universal application across different loading unit configurations while maintaining reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design simplifies the sterilization and cleaning process by keeping the interlock components on the loading units, reducing the complexity of maintaining hygiene during surgical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

The interlock assembly may further including a torsion spring operably received about the first cylindrical portion for biasing the collar member to the locked position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11369375B2Interlock assemblies for replaceable loading unit

Publication Date: 2022.06.28 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

Interlock assemblies for attaching a loading unit to a surgical stapling instrument are provided. The interlock assemblies are formed on a proximal end of a shell member and on a distal end of an adapter assembly. The interlock assemblies may include a collar member for selectively securing the shell member to the adapter assembly. The collar member may be mounted on the shell member or on the adapter assembly.