Disposable Capsulorhexis Forceps Tip with Interlocking Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current capsulorhexis forceps used in cataract surgeries lack an economical and efficient disposable tip solution that can be easily mass-produced and securely attached to a handle, limiting their usability and precision.
Innovation Solution
A capsulorhexis forceps device featuring a handle with a locking mechanism and a disposable forceps tip with laterally offset pincers that can be moved between open and closed configurations, utilizing a sleeve to actuate the pincers and a tip connector with interlocking teeth for secure attachment, made from moldable materials like injection-molded plastic or metal for enhanced strength and resiliency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a disposable forceps tip is used to reduce cost and improve hygiene, then manufacturing cost and sterilization complexity decrease, but attachment security and structural strength may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps device is divided into two main segments: a reusable handle and a disposable forceps tip. The tip can be separately manufactured using cost-effective molding processes and then securely attached to the handle through the locking mechanism, allowing the disposable portion to be optimized for low-cost production while the reusable handle maintains durability
Solution Approach 2:
The forceps tip is designed as a disposable component that can be inexpensively molded or extruded from materials like medical-grade plastic or metal. After single use, the tip is discarded, eliminating sterilization costs and ensuring hygiene. The locking mechanism ensures secure attachment during use, resolving the concern about strength
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with interlocking teeth is used to securely attach the tip to the handle, then attachment security improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is extracted as a separate functional component within the handle assembly, consisting of interlocking teeth that engage with corresponding features on the forceps tip. This modular approach provides secure attachment while keeping the overall device design relatively simple and manageable
3Manufacturing precision
If resilient pincers with serrated grasping surfaces are used to improve tissue grasping ability, then surgical precision and tissue control improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps tip features localized functional zones: the distal ends of the pincers have serrated grasping surfaces for enhanced tissue grip, while other portions maintain simpler geometries. This local differentiation provides surgical precision where needed without unnecessarily complicating the overall manufacturing process
4Ease of operation
If a sleeve is used to actuate the pincers between open and closed configurations, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A movable sleeve acts as an intermediary component that translates lateral displacement of the arm elements into actuation of the pincers. When the sleeve moves in response to arm element displacement, it causes the pincers to transition between open and closed configurations, providing intuitive operation with minimal complexity
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 solution provides a cost-effective, disposable forceps tip that can be easily attached and detached from the handle, offering improved precision and usability in cataract surgeries, with the ability to grasp and tear lens capsules effectively, enhancing surgical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of resilient pincers formed at the first end of the tip body and moveable between an open position and a closed position
Implementation Method 2
The grasping surface may include a series of serrations
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Example forceps, including forceps formed from a polymeric material, are disclosed herein. The forceps may include a forceps tip having a pair of grasping surfaces formed at a first end of a tip body and movable between an open position and a closed position. A tip connector is provided at a second end of the tip body for connection of the forceps tip to a handle. A sleeve is received over the tip body and is movable therealong for moving the grasping platforms between the open and closed positions.