Surgical Stapler Sled Detection and Motor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling instruments face challenges in accurately detecting the location of the sled along the firing path and adjusting motor control programs accordingly, which can lead to misalignment and improper staple deployment.
Innovation Solution
The surgical stapling instrument incorporates a control circuit that detects the location of the sled along the firing path and adjusts the motor control program to ensure precise sled movement and proper staple deployment. This system includes a sled detection circuit and a motor-driven firing system with a driving member that advances the sled along a predefined firing path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motor-driven firing system is used to advance the sled, then the automation and speed of staple deployment are improved, but the precision of sled location detection and alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sled location detection mechanisms with an optical detection system. The control circuit uses optical signals (such as reflective markers detected by sensors) to determine sled position along the firing path, eliminating the need for mechanical encoders or physical position sensors that would add complexity to the motor-driven system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system between the motor and sled. The control circuit acts as an intermediary that receives positional information from optical sensors and adjusts motor control accordingly, allowing the motor-driven system to maintain precision without direct mechanical coupling for position sensing.
2Manufacturing precision
If the sled detection circuit is added to detect sled location, then the manufacturing precision of staple deployment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical position sensing mechanisms with a simpler optical detection system. The sled detection circuit uses optical sensors and reflective markers, which require fewer moving parts and mechanical components compared to traditional mechanical encoders or potentiometers, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses reflective markers (optical copies) attached to the sled that can be detected by the control circuit. These markers serve as simplified representations of sled position that can be read optically without requiring complex direct measurement mechanisms, reducing the complexity of the detection system.
3Reliability
If the motor control program is adjusted based on sled location, then the reliability of staple deployment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the control circuit continuously monitors sled position through the detection circuit and adjusts motor control parameters in real-time. This closed-loop feedback ensures reliable staple deployment by compensating for position variations without requiring overly complex mechanical positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the motor control program dynamic by allowing it to adjust based on real-time sled position data. The control circuit modifies motor speed, acceleration, and positioning parameters dynamically during operation, enabling reliable deployment while using software-based adaptation rather than complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A loading unit for use with a surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. The loading unit comprises a shaft and an end effector extending from the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw comprising an anvil, and a second jaw. At least one of the first jaw and the second jaw is movable relative to the other to grasp tissue. The second jaw comprises an elongated channel and a staple cartridge insertable into the elongated channel for assembly therewith. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge pan, and a sled translatable relative to the cartridge pan from a home position along a firing path in a firing motion to deploy staples from the staple cartridge. The loading unit also comprises a sled position-resetting mechanism configured to return the sled to the home position from a predefined range of positions distal to the home position prior to the firing motion.