OVER-MOLDED CONNECTOR FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS

• US 20190321033A1
• Filed: 03/21/2019
• Published: 10/24/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 04/23/2018
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Sgroi, JR., Anthony
• Granted Patent: US 10,905,416 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/068 Surgical staplers , e.g. containing multiple staples or clampsstaplers containing only one staple A61B17/10; magazines or containers for staples A61B17/105; for performing anastomosis A61B17/115; staplers in general B25C5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1155 Circular staplers comprising a plurality of staples
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00017 Electrical control of surgical instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0023 disposable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00398 using powered actuators, e.g. stepper motors, solenoids
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00473 Distal part, e.g. tip or head A61B2017/00464 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00486 Adaptors for coupling parts with incompatible geometries
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00526 Methods of manufacturing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0813 Accessories designed for easy sterilising, i.e. re-usable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/98 using electromagnetic means, e.g. transponders
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/5219 Sealing means between coupling parts, e.g. interfacial seal
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2103/00 Two poles
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/12 for medicine and surgery
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/28 Coupling parts carrying pins, blades or analogous contacts and secured only to wire or cable
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 4/023 between cables or wires and terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 4/16 by bending

Abstract

A plug assembly for a surgical device having a loading unit includes a tray member, first and second contact members received within and extending distally from the tray member, first and second elongated electrical conductors in electrical connection with the first and second contact members and extending proximally from the tray member, an outer case formed about the tray member and the proximal portion of the first and second contact members, and a seal member received about the first and second contact members adjacent the outer tray. Each of the first and second contact members includes proximal and distal portions and an extension formed on the proximal portions. Each of the first and second elongated electrical conductors includes proximal and distal portions and a loop formed on the distal portion. The loop of each of the first and second elongated electrical conductors is received about the extension of the respective first and second contact members.

Claims

1. A surgical stapling device comprising:

a handle assembly;

an adapter assembly extending from the handle assembly, the adapter assembly including a distal portion configured for operable engagement with a loading unit; and

a plug assembly disposed within the distal portion of the adapter assembly and configured for electrical connection with a chip assembly in a loading unit, the plug assembly including;

a tray member;

first and second contact members received within and extending distally from the tray member, each of the first and second contact members including proximal and distal portions and an extension formed on the proximal portions; and

first and second elongated electrical conductors in electrical connection with the first and second contact members and extending proximally from the tray member, each of the first and second elongated electrical conductors including proximal and distal portions and a loop formed on the distal portion, the loop of each of the first and second elongated electrical conductors being received about the extension of the respective first and second contact member;

an outer case formed about the tray member and the proximal portion of the first and second contact members; and

a seal member received about the first and second contact members adjacent the outer tray.

2. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, wherein the outer case of the plug assembly is overmolded about the tray member and the proximal portion of the first and second contact members.

3. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, further including a loading unit, wherein the loading unit includes a chip assembly configured for electrical connection with the plug assembly.

4. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, wherein the plug assembly further includes a block member received between the first and second contact members.

5. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, wherein the tray member defines first and second channels and the first and second contact members are received within the respective first and second channels.

6. The surgical stapling device of claim 5, wherein the first and second elongated electrical conductors are received within the respective first and second channels.

7. The surgical stapling device of claim 6, wherein the first and second contact members and the first and second elongated electrical conductors are secured within the respective first and second channels with a sealant material.

8. The surgical stapling device of claim 7, wherein the sealant material is a thermoset resin.

9. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, wherein the outer case includes a cylindrical projection configured to facilitate connection of the plug assembly with the adapter assembly.

10. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, wherein the first and second elongated electrical conductors are electrically connected to the handle assembly.

11. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, wherein the outer case includes a distally extending extension and the seal member is secured to the extension.

12. A plug assembly configured for electrical connection with a chip assembly in a loading unit, the plug assembly comprising:

a tray member;

first and second contact members received within and extending distally from the tray member, each of the first and second contact members including proximal and distal portions and an extension formed on the proximal portions; and

first and second elongated electrical conductors in electrical connection with the first and second contact members and extending proximally from the tray member, each of the first and second elongated electrical conductors including proximal and distal portions and a loop formed on the distal portion, the loop of each of the first and second elongated electrical conductors being received about the extension of the respective first and second contact member;

an outer case formed about the tray member and the proximal portion of the first and second contact members; and

a seal member received about the first and second contact members adjacent the outer tray.

13. The plug assembly of claim 12, wherein the outer case is overmolded about the tray member and the proximal portion of the first and second contact members.

14. The plug assembly of claim 12, further including a block member received between the first and second contact members.

15. The plug assembly of claim 12, wherein the tray member defines first and second channels and the first and second contact members are received within the respective first and second channels.

16. The plug assembly of claim 12, wherein the first and second elongated electrical conductors are received within the respective first and second channels.

17. The plug assembly of claim 16, wherein the first and second contact members and the first and second elongated electrical conductors are secured within the respective first and second channels with a sealant material.

18. The plug assembly of claim 17, wherein the sealant material is an epoxy.

19. The plug assembly of claim 12, wherein the outer case includes a cylindrical projection configured to facilitate connection of the plug assembly with an adapter assembly.

20. The plug assembly of claim 12, wherein the outer case includes a distally extending extension and the seal member is secured to the extension.