Articulating Tip for Bipolar Pencil with Locking Plate
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical instruments require external adjustment of power settings and mode selection, which can divert the surgeon's attention from the operating site, and lack ergonomic control for efficient bipolar resection procedures.
Innovation Solution
An articulating electrosurgical pencil with a locking plate and tip assembly that allows for adjustable articulation of the electrode assembly up to 30 degrees, featuring a coaxial connection and resilient locking fingers for secure positioning, enabling intuitive control of bipolar resection without requiring the surgeon to adjust settings externally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If external adjustment of power settings and mode selection is used, then device complexity is reduced, but surgeon attention is diverted from the operating site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrosurgical generator controls directly into the handpiece, merging previously separate functions (external generator controls and handheld application) into a single integrated device. This allows surgeons to adjust power settings and mode selection at the point of use without diverting attention to an external generator, resolving the contradiction between simplified device architecture and continuous surgical focus.
2Ease of operation
If simple and ergonomically friendly controls are used, then ease of operation is improved, but control precision for bipolar resection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements different control qualities at different locations: the handpiece contains simplified ergonomic controls for mode selection and power adjustment that are easily accessible during surgery, while the external generator maintains detailed parameter controls for precise bipolar resection when needed. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and precision control.
3Device complexity
If fixed electrode assembly angle is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ergonomic control and accessibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an articulating mechanism that allows the electrode assembly to dynamically adjust its angle relative to the handpiece axis, transitioning from a fixed to a dynamic configuration. This enables surgeons to optimize electrode positioning for different surgical approaches while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and ergonomic flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode assembly for an electrosurgical pencil includes an insulative housing. A locking plate is supported at a distal end of the insulative housing about a pivot, the locking plate including a series of locking holes defined therein. A tip assembly is coupled to a distal end of the locking plate and is configured to treat tissue. A connection is coupled to a proximal end of the insulative housing and is electrically coupled to the tip assembly. One or more locking fingers is operably disposed within the housing and is movable between a first position allowing rotation of the locking plate and the tip assembly about the pivot and a second position preventing rotation of the locking plate and the tip assembly. The finger(s) is configured to engage a corresponding one of the series of locking holes to prevent rotation of the locking plate and the tip assembly.