Bipolar End Effector Jaws with Integrated Control Link
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for bipolar end effectors in surgical instruments for electrocauterization, where the electrocauterization current is supplied through one jaw and returned through the other, without requiring additional cables that increase the size and complexity of the shaft.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a housing with two jaws mounted on revolute joints, one electrically conductive and the other insulated, connected via a yoke and control link to facilitate independent electrical conduction paths for electrocauterization current through tissue grasped between them, eliminating the need for additional cables by integrating mechanical and electrical actuation within a single link or tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional cables are added to provide independent electrical conduction paths for bipolar electrocauterization, then the electrocauterization function is improved, but the size and complexity of the shaft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control link is designed to perform dual functions: mechanical actuation of the jaws and electrical conduction for electrocauterization. By merging the mechanical control function and electrical conduction function into a single integrated component, the patent eliminates the need for separate cables, thereby reducing shaft complexity while maintaining bipolar electrocauterization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The control link is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as a mechanical actuator for jaw movement and an electrical conductor for delivering electrocauterization current. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple roles, avoiding the need for additional dedicated cables
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional cables are added to provide independent electrical conduction paths for bipolar electrocauterization, then the electrocauterization function is improved, but the size of the shaft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control link is designed to perform dual functions: mechanical actuation of the jaws and electrical conduction for electrocauterization. By merging the mechanical control function and electrical conduction function into a single integrated component, the patent eliminates the need for separate cables, thereby reducing shaft complexity while maintaining bipolar electrocauterization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The control link is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as a mechanical actuator for jaw movement and an electrical conductor for delivering electrocauterization current. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple roles, avoiding the need for additional dedicated cables
3Reliability
If the second jaw is electrically insulated from the housing, then independent electrical conduction path is achieved, but the complexity of electrical insulation requirements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control link provides self-contained electrical insulation by being electrically insulated from both the housing and the first jaw. This self-insulating design ensures that the control link can serve as an independent electrical conduction path without requiring additional external insulation components or complex insulation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The control link is designed to perform dual functions: mechanical actuation of the jaws and electrical conduction for electrocauterization. By merging the mechanical control function and electrical conduction function into a single integrated component, the patent eliminates the need for separate cables, thereby reducing shaft complexity while maintaining bipolar electrocauterization capability
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
This solution allows for bipolar operation of the end effector without increasing the size or complexity of the shaft, enabling efficient electrocauterization while reducing the need for additional cables, thus enhancing dexterous movement and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrical conduction path between the housing and the first jaw... facilitating conduction of a electrocauterization current through tissue grasped between the first and second jaws
Implementation Method 2
a second electrical conduction path between the control link and the second jaw, the first and second electrical conduction paths facilitating conduction of a electrocauterization current through tissue grasped between the first and second jaws
Implementation Method 3
The yoke is moveable with respect to the housing in response to movements of the control link when actuated by the surgical instrument, the movement of the yoke being operable to cause opening and closing movements of the first and second jaws about the respective revolute joints
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector apparatus for a surgical instrument is disclosed including a housing having a first jaw mounted on a revolute joint and providing a first electrical conduction path between the housing and the first jaw. A second jaw is mounted on a revolute joint within the housing and is insulated from the housing, the jaws each having a manipulating portion and a lever arm. A yoke is received within the housing and mechanically coupled to the lever arms and to a control link and is moveable in response to movements of the control link to cause opening and closing of the jaws, the yoke being electrically insulated from the housing and the first jaw. A second electrical conduction path is provided between the control link and the second jaw. The electrical conduction paths facilitate conduction of an electrocauterization current through tissue grasped between the jaws.