Combination Forceps with Independent Serrated and Non-Serrated Jaws

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical forceps require time-consuming switching between serrated and non-serrated types, leading to contamination risks and the need for extra hands, which is not always feasible during surgeries.

Innovation Solution

A combination surgical forceps design where serrated and non-serrated forceps are at least partially connected side-by-side along their inner shanks, allowing for seamless switching between modes by engaging the outer shank with a central shank to activate either serrated or non-serrated functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If stand-alone serrated forceps and non-serrated forceps are used separately, then each forceps can perform its specific function well, but switching between them is time-consuming and increases contamination risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching between forceps typesVSAvoidtime for switching forceps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines serrated forceps and non-serrated forceps into a single integrated instrument. The serrated jaw and non-serrated jaw are connected side-by-side along their inner shanks to form a central shank, allowing both forcep types to be available simultaneously in one instrument, eliminating the need to switch between separate forceps during surgery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The combination forceps instrument performs multiple functions by integrating both serrated and non-serrated forceps in one device. The surgeon can select which jaw to use based on the surgical task, making the instrument universal for both tissue grasping and needle manipulation without requiring separate specialized tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If stand-alone serrated forceps and non-serrated forceps are used separately, then each forceps can perform its specific function well, but switching between them increases contamination risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching between forceps typesVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines serrated forceps and non-serrated forceps into a single integrated instrument. The serrated jaw and non-serrated jaw are connected side-by-side along their inner shanks to form a central shank, allowing both forcep types to be available simultaneously in one instrument, eliminating the need to switch between separate forceps during surgery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of contamination into a benefit by designing a sterile barrier that separates the inner shanks from the outer environment. The sterile adapter or drape creates a controlled sterile field that allows the surgeon to access both forcep types without breaking sterility, turning the complexity of having multiple components into a solution that maintains contamination prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If stand-alone serrated forceps and non-serrated forceps are used separately, then each forceps can perform its specific function well, but additional assistant hands are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation with multiple forcepsVSAvoidnumber of forceps instruments

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines serrated forceps and non-serrated forceps into a single integrated instrument. The serrated jaw and non-serrated jaw are connected side-by-side along their inner shanks to form a central shank, allowing both forcep types to be available simultaneously in one instrument, eliminating the need to switch between separate forceps during surgery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The combination forceps instrument performs multiple functions by integrating both serrated and non-serrated forceps in one device. The surgeon can select which jaw to use based on the surgical task, making the instrument universal for both tissue grasping and needle manipulation without requiring separate specialized tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11771418B2Combination forceps

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 FIORE JOSEPH PAUL

AI summary

Surgical instruments and methods for using and manufacturing the same are provided. The surgical instrument includes a combination of serrated forceps and non-serrated forceps, the serrated forceps and the non-serrated forceps being operable independently of each other. A method of using the instrument includes using the serrated forceps of the instrument to grasp a tissue and using the non-serrated forceps of the instrument to pull a surgical needle through the tissue. A method of manufacturing the surgical instrument includes manufacturing serrated forceps and non-serrated forceps, such that the inner shanks of the serrated and the non-serrated forceps form a central shank, wherein the surgical instrument operates in a way that pushing the outer shank of the serrated forceps toward the central shank of the instrument engages the serrated forceps of the instrument, and pushing the outer shank of the nonserrated forceps toward the central shank of the instrument engages the non-serrated forceps of the instrument.