Bipolar Coagulation Forceps Pivot Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bipolar coagulation forceps used in minimally invasive surgeries face challenges in achieving high stability and minimal dimensions due to mechanical overload limitations and the need for reliable electrical insulation, especially when inserted through narrow trocars or operating openings.
Innovation Solution
The pivot element is made from biocompatible metal and attached directly to the moving forceps leg, with an insulating body supporting it to ensure electrical insulation from the fixed forceps leg, allowing for high force transmission while maintaining small dimensions, and a push/pull rod is used to convert linear motion into rotational motion with an eccentric link position for efficient pivoting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the forceps legs are made with minimal dimensions for insertion through narrow trocars, then the instrument can be used in minimally invasive surgeries, but the stability and service life of the pivot bearing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps is divided into a fixed forceps leg and a movable forceps leg that can pivot relative to it, allowing the instrument to achieve the necessary degrees of freedom in tight spaces while maintaining structural integrity through the pivot bearing connection
Solution Approach 2:
An insulating body is introduced as an intermediary component between the fixed forceps leg and the movable forceps leg. This insulating body provides both electrical insulation and mechanical support for the pivot element, enabling stable pivoting while preventing electrical contact between the metallic parts
2Force
If the pivot element is made from metal to receive high forces, then the force transmission capability improves, but the risk of electrical sparks between metallic parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating body is positioned between the fixed metallic forceps leg and the movable metallic forceps leg to prevent direct electrical contact. This intermediary component allows the metallic pivot element to transmit mechanical forces while blocking electrical current paths that could generate sparks
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating body acts as a thin film or shell between the metallic components, providing electrical insulation while allowing mechanical interaction. This thin insulating layer prevents spark formation while maintaining the force transmission capability of the metallic pivot element
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a mechanical overload protection is installed to prolong service life, then the durability improves, but the service life extension is only insignificant
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating body is designed to withstand mechanical loads from the outset, providing inherent protection against overload. By incorporating this protective element into the basic structure rather than adding it as a separate protective mechanism, the instrument achieves improved service life without requiring additional complex protection systems
Data Source
AI summary
A bipolar coagulation forceps (1) with a fixed forceps leg (2), a pivot support (3), and a pivoting forceps leg (4), which can pivot relative to the fixed forceps leg via a pivot element (6, 11, 12) and which is electrically insulated from the fixed forceps leg is provided, with the forceps legs (2, 4) essentially being made from biocompatible metal. The pivot element (6, 11, 12) is likewise essentially made from biocompatible metal and attaches directly to the moving forceps leg (4). An insulating body (5a, 5b) electrically insulating the pivot element (6, 11, 12) and the moving forceps leg (4) from the fixed forceps leg (2) is arranged on or fixed to the fixed forceps leg (2) as a pivot support (3), on which the moving forceps leg (4) is supported by the pivot element (6, 11, 12).