Surgical Stapler Lockout for Articulating End Effector Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments face challenges in achieving a wide range of articulation while accommodating various drive systems and retaining the end effector in a locked position, due to size constraints imposed by trocar cannulas, which also limit the composition and operation of drive members and components.
Innovation Solution
The surgical instrument employs an articulation joint with a series of movably interfacing annular disc members and elastomeric spacer members, coupled with a cable control system and pulley unit, to facilitate large articulation angles and secure the end effector in place, while allowing for balanced application of forces through the articulation joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the surgical instrument uses a traditional articulation mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the articulation range is limited and cannot achieve large articulation angles
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation joint is divided into multiple disc members (first disc member, second disc member, third disc member) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows each disc to contribute to the overall articulation angle, enabling large range of motion while keeping individual components manageable in size and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The disc members are arranged in a nested configuration where they can move relative to one another within the same spatial envelope. This nesting approach allows multiple degrees of freedom to be achieved without proportionally increasing the external dimensions, thus accommodating large articulation angles within size constraints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the surgical instrument accommodates various drive systems, then the versatility is improved, but the size constraints imposed by trocar cannulas make it difficult to fit all components
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation joint design with multiple disc members and elastomeric spacers creates a universal interface that can accommodate different drive system configurations. The same articulation mechanism can work with various drive members (rotary, linear, cable-driven) without requiring fundamental redesign, thus achieving multi-functionality within constrained dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
Elastomeric spacer members are used between disc members to provide flexible coupling and positioning. These elastomeric elements can deform to accommodate different drive member configurations while maintaining the structural integrity and articulation function, allowing versatile drive system integration without increasing overall size.
3Measurement precision
If the end effector is made movable for articulation, then the positioning precision is improved, but the lockout mechanism becomes more complex to retain the end effector in a locked position
Solution Approach 1:
A lockout member is introduced as an intermediary element between the articulation joint components. This lockout member selectively engages with the disc members to prevent relative motion when locked, while allowing free articulation when unlocked. The intermediary lockout mechanism simplifies the overall design by providing a dedicated locking function rather than relying on complex interlocking features in the main articulation joint.
4Volume of moving object
If the articulation joint components are made smaller to fit trocar cannulas, then the size constraint is satisfied, but the composition and operation of drive members are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The design changes the physical parameters of the articulation components, using elastomeric materials for spacers and multiple thin disc members instead of single thick components. This parameter change allows the articulation joint to maintain adequate operational capability while fitting within the reduced volume constraints of trocar cannulas. The elastomeric properties allow for flexible operation despite small size.
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
The solution enables precise and stable articulation of the surgical end effector, ensuring effective operation of drive members and maintaining the end effector's position during surgical procedures, despite external forces.
Implementation Method 1
an articulation joint (32200) with a series of movably interfacing annular disc members (32210) and elastomeric spacer members (32280)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A surgical instrument including a first jaw that is configured to support a staple cartridge therein. An axially movable firing member is configured to move between a beginning position and an ending position by a first flexible drive member and a second flexible drive member. A firing member lock is configured to prevent the firing member from distally moving from the beginning position to the ending position unless an axially movable camming member in the staple cartridge that is supported in the first jaw is in a starting position.