Surgical Stapler Knife Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a continuing need for a surgical stapling device with a simple lock design that can effectively retain the knife assembly in a shielded position within the cartridge body after use, to prevent injury to clinicians during disposal.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a locking device with a stop member and a locking projection that moves from a position permitting advancement to one obstructing advancement, ensuring the knife assembly remains retracted within the cartridge body, utilizing a deformable stop member and a resilient leaf spring to secure the knife blade in a locked position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device is added to retain the knife assembly in a shielded position, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device automatically engages when the knife assembly retracts into the cartridge body. The stop member on the knife assembly interacts with the locking projection on the cartridge body to self-lock without requiring additional actuators or complex mechanisms, thus improving safety while minimizing added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, simple mechanism consisting of a stop member and locking projection, rather than integrating it into the main knife assembly or cartridge body structures. This allows the locking function to be added with minimal impact on overall device complexity
2Reliability
If the knife assembly is made retractable to shield the cutting edge, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction mechanism is merged with the existing approximation assembly that moves the tool assembly between spaced and clamped positions. The knife assembly retracts as part of the same mechanical motion that closes the tissue, eliminating the need for a separate retraction mechanism and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining safety
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 effectively prevents the knife assembly from readvancing, thereby shielding the cutting edge and minimizing the risk of injury to clinicians during the disposal of the stapling device.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient leaf spring to secure the knife blade in a locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapling device includes a cartridge assembly including a cartridge body, a staple pusher, a knife assembly, and a locking device. The locking device is configured to prevent readvancement of the knife assembly.