Bifurcated Electrosurgical Jaw Alignment to Reduce Friction Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical instruments face challenges in maintaining component alignment for optimal function and longevity, particularly due to appendages from injection mold gates that serve no useful purpose and can cause friction and wear.
Innovation Solution
The integration of protrusions and recesses in the jaw assembly, formed during the injection molding process, ensures precise alignment of components by fitting together, reducing friction and wear, and utilizing these appendages for alignment features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If injection molding is used to manufacture jaw components, then manufacturing efficiency and cost are improved, but unwanted appendages from mold gates are created that cause friction and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful appendages from injection mold gates into beneficial alignment features by designing protrusions that fit into recesses on the jaw body. This eliminates the need to remove the gate material while transforming it into a functional element that ensures precise alignment between the electrode assembly and jaw body, thereby reducing friction and wear during operation.
2Device complexity
If component alignment is not precisely controlled, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but component alignment and instrument longevity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-alignment through the protrusion-recess fitment system, where the components automatically align themselves during assembly without requiring external alignment tools or complex adjustment procedures. The protrusions on the electrode assembly fit into corresponding recesses on the jaw body, ensuring precise positioning and maintaining reliable component alignment throughout instrument operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument includes a body assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The end effector is configured to grasp tissue between the first jaw and the second jaw. The shaft is positioned between the body assembly and the end effector. The second jaw includes a second jaw body, which includes at least one recess. The second jaw further includes an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes at least one protrusion extending toward the second jaw body. The at least one protrusion is sized to fit inside a respective recess of the at least one recess and is configured to align the electrode assembly to the second jaw body.