Biopsy Forceps Spring-Loaded Locking Nosepiece
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biopsy forceps lack a reliable locking mechanism that is not integrated with the handle body, leading to potential accidental release of the lock during tissue sample removal, requiring additional assistance and increasing the risk of the jaws closing prematurely.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded locking nosepiece is attached to the handle of the biopsy forceps, allowing the jaws to be securely locked in an open position using a thumb ring and finger holes, enabling easy control and maintaining the open position without requiring external assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is incorporated into the handle body, then the forceps can be locked in position, but the lock may slip and the jaws may close accidentally
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is separated from the handle body and relocated to the nosepiece. This segmentation isolates the locking function from the trigger mechanism, preventing accidental release while maintaining reliable locking capability during biopsy procedures
Solution Approach 2:
A spring-loaded nosepiece acts as an intermediary component between the trigger mechanism and the jaws. The nosepiece includes a cam surface that interacts with a cam follower to provide positive locking, mediating the force transmission and preventing direct coupling that could lead to accidental release
2Reliability
If the locking mechanism is used to lock the forceps in closed position, then the tissue sample remains in the jaws, but the physician cannot position the jaws for tissue removal
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to lock in multiple positions - both open and closed. The spring-loaded nosepiece can be positioned to lock the jaws in the open position for easy maneuvering and tissue removal, or locked in the closed position to secure the tissue sample during extraction from the patient's body
3Device complexity
If no locking mechanism is provided, then the forceps structure is simpler, but the physician must hold the jaws open with two hands or another person
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded nosepiece provides automatic locking functionality that maintains the jaws in the desired position without requiring continuous manual effort. The spring mechanism automatically engages the lock when the nosepiece is positioned, enabling single-handed operation while keeping the structure relatively simple
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
The spring-loaded locking mechanism allows for easy and controlled opening and closing of the jaws, facilitating single-handed operation and reducing the risk of accidental closure, thereby simplifying the tissue sample removal process without the need for additional personnel.
Implementation Method 1
The spring-loaded locking mechanism contains a spring located inside the actuator portion of the handle
Data Source
AI summary
Biopsy forceps have a handle located at the proximal end and an end jaw assembly located at the distal end. The handle and jaw assembly are connected by a flexible catheter tube. The handle includes a body portion and an actuator portion that controls the jaw assembly. The actuator is axially displaced relative to the handle body to open and close the pair of opposed jaws. The jaw assembly consists of a housing composed of a first and second portion, which holds the pair of opposed jaws and a distal actuator. The distal actuator is controlled by the handle actuator which controls the jaws positioning. A locking mechanism is attached to the handle actuator and can lock the jaws in an open position. To close the jaws, the locking mechanism can be pushed to its unlocked position and the actuator slid to its back position.