Firing Stroke Sensing in Surgical Stapler Adapters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical instruments lack effective mechanisms for sensing and controlling the firing stroke of the firing member, which can lead to inconsistent tissue stapling and cutting performance.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a firing stroke sensing arrangement that monitors and controls the firing stroke of the firing member, ensuring precise and consistent tissue stapling and cutting by integrating sensors and feedback mechanisms into the surgical instrument system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a firing stroke sensing arrangement is incorporated into the surgical instrument, then the precision and consistency of tissue stapling and cutting operations is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and feedback mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision and consistency of tissue stapling and cuttingVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a firing stroke sensing arrangement that includes a sensor to detect the position of the firing member and a controller that receives the sensor signal and adjusts the firing stroke accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures precise control of the firing member's movement, maintaining consistent stapling and cutting depth across different surgical procedures while compensating for variations in tissue properties and instrument positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical depth-limiting mechanisms with an electronic sensing and control system. Instead of using complex mechanical stops or限位 structures, the system uses a sensor to detect firing member position and an actuator to control the firing stroke, reducing mechanical complexity while improving precision and consistency of tissue stapling and cutting operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If sensors and feedback mechanisms are integrated into the surgical instrument system, then the control precision of the firing member is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precision of firing memberVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the sensing arrangement to serve multiple functions: detecting firing member position, determining when the firing stroke is complete, and providing feedback for consistent stapling depth. The same sensor and controller system is used across different surgical instrument configurations, allowing for standardized manufacturing processes and reducing overall system complexity despite the enhanced measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3498185B1Adapters with firing stroke sensing arrangements for use in connection with electromechanical surgical instruments

Publication Date: 2026.03.18 ETHICON INC

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AI summary

An adapter for use with an electromechanical surgical instrument. The adapter includes an end effector with first and second jaws that are movable between open and closed positions relative to each other by a dynamic clamping member that is axially movable through the end effector in a firing stroke. The adapter includes firing stroke sensing arrangements for monitoring an axial position of the dynamic clamping assembly as it moves within the firing stroke.