Bipolar Forceps Stationary Conductor Jaw Movement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Previous bipolar forceps often experience wire damage or insulation chafing due to the need for wires to bend and stretch with the movable jaw, leading to unreliable electrical communication during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The bipolar forceps design includes a conductor that remains stationary, allowing the electrode to move independently of the wire, ensuring electrical communication only when the electrode is in its closed position, thus reducing the likelihood of wire damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the first wire is attached to the first electrode and the first electrode is pivoted, then the first electrode can move between open and closed positions, but the wire must bend and stretch which causes the wire to break and insulation to become chaffed
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: the first electrode is attached to the first link, while the first wire is attached to the second link. This segmentation allows the electrode to pivot with the jaw while the wire remains stationary or moves independently, eliminating the need for the wire to bend and stretch with the electrode movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The second link acts as an intermediary element between the first electrode and the first wire. This intermediary component decouples the electrode from the wire, allowing the electrode to pivot freely while the wire maintains its connection to the stationary second link, thereby preventing wire damage.
2Reliability
If the first wire remains stationary while the first electrode moves, then the wire does not have to bend or stretch, but the first electrode may not be in electrical communication with the electrical source when in open position
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical communication system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The first electrode can be selectively placed in electrical communication with the first wire when the first jaw is in a closed position, and out of electrical communication when the first jaw is in an open position. This dynamic connection allows the electrode to move freely while maintaining reliable electrical contact when needed.
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 design enhances the reliability and durability of the bipolar forceps by preventing wire damage and maintaining consistent electrical communication, even with repeated jaw movement during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
current can be supplied to the first electrode and flow to the second electrode through the soft tissue. In such circumstances, the current can cauterize, vaporize, and/or otherwise treat, the soft tissue.
Implementation Method 2
the conductor can be selectively placed in electrical communication with the first electrode when the first electrode is moved between open and closed positions
Data Source
AI summary
A bipolar forceps including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a conductor operably connected to an electrical source, wherein the conductor can be selectively placed in electrical communication with the first electrode when the first electrode is moved between open and closed positions. The conductor can include a contact end which is not in contact with the first electrode when the first electrode is in its open position. In such an open position, the first electrode may not be in electrical communication with the electrical source and, as a result, current may not flow through the first electrode. The first electrode can be moved into its closed position such that the first electrode is in contact with the contact end of the wire. In such a closed position, the first electrode may be in electrical communication with the electrical source allowing current to flow through the first electrode.