Tilt Anvil Assembly Backup Member Pivotal Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circular anastomosis staplers with tiltable anvil heads face issues where the backup plate may stick to the knife blade upon retraction, preventing the anvil head from tilting, and existing solutions like retainer clips are not entirely effective.
Innovation Solution
A tilt anvil assembly with a center rod, anvil head assembly, and a backup member that includes a spring-loaded pivotal latch member and a retainer member with deformable tabs, which allows the anvil head to pivot from a non-tilted to a tilted position by applying a predetermined force, preventing premature movement back to the non-tilted position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a backup plate is positioned to prevent tilting of the anvil head prior to firing, then the anvil head remains stable and prevents inadvertent tilting, but the backup plate may stick to the knife blade upon retraction, preventing the anvil head from tilting
Solution Approach 1:
A retainer clip is introduced as an intermediary component between the backup plate and the knife blade. The retainer clip engages the backup plate to prevent it from sticking to the knife blade during retraction, while allowing the backup plate to maintain its position preventing inadvertent tilting. This mediator resolves the contradiction by preventing the harmful sticking effect while preserving the stabilizing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer clip is extracted as a separate functional component from the backup plate assembly. It is positioned to engage the backup plate independently, providing a specific function of preventing sticking without interfering with the backup plate's primary function of preventing inadvertent tilting. This extraction allows each component to optimize its specific function.
2Reliability
If a retainer clip engages the backup plate to prevent sticking, then the backup plate can be reliably retained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer clip is merged with the backup plate assembly, where the retainer clip engages the backup plate in a integrated manner. The retainer clip is positioned within the anvil head assembly and works in conjunction with the backup plate, knife blade, and housing structures. This merging approach provides reliable retention while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by utilizing existing structural elements.
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
Ensures reliable tilting of the anvil head during stapler firing by preventing the backup plate from sticking to the knife blade, allowing for consistent operation and preventing inadvertent tilting.
Implementation Method 1
The pivotal latch member is spring loaded and positioned to engage an inner periphery of the backup member when the backup member is in the non-tilted position
Implementation Method 2
The retainer member can include a deformable member which is positioned in the head assembly between the housing and the backup member. The deformable tabs are deformed upon movement of the backup member from its first position to its second position
Data Source
AI summary
A tilt anvil assembly is disclosed which includes a center rod and a head assembly pivotally mounted to the center rod. The head assembly includes a housing, a post, an anvil plate and a backup member. The backup member is movable about the post from a first position preventing pivotal movement of the head assembly to a second position accommodating pivotal movement of the head assembly. A pivotal latch assembly is also provided to prevent movement of the backup member from its second position to its first position.