Deflectable Grasping Platforms for Even Pressure Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional forceps with flat, stiff grasping platforms often cause tissue damage during procedures due to uneven pressure distribution and sensitivity to tissue thickness variations, particularly in ophthalmic procedures where delicate membranes are handled.
Innovation Solution
The design features deflectable, arcuate grasping platforms that converge at their distal ends and articulate to increase contact area as they close, allowing for a more even pressure distribution and reduced risk of tissue damage by spreading force across a larger surface area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flat and stiff grasping platforms are used, then control of platform position is improved, but pressure distribution across the platforms becomes uneven and tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grasping platforms are designed to be deflectable rather than rigid, allowing them to dynamically adapt to tissue thickness variations. The platforms can deflect inward to accommodate thinner tissues while maintaining contact, and this deflection is controlled by the flexibility of the intermediate portions and the geometry of the engagement surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the grasping platforms from rigid and flat to deflectable and arcuate. The intermediate portions have specific flexibility characteristics, and the engagement surfaces are curved rather than flat, allowing the platforms to change their shape and pressure distribution characteristics based on tissue thickness.
2Ease of operation
If a stiffer closing means is used, then position control of grasping platforms is improved, but total pressure control applied between the platforms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closing means is designed with specific flexibility characteristics rather than being purely stiff. The intermediate portions have controlled flexibility that allows the system to adapt pressure based on tissue thickness while maintaining position control through the arcuate geometry of the engagement surfaces.
3Stress or pressure
If a more flexible closing means is used, then total pressure control varies less with tissue thickness, but pressure distribution across the grasping platforms becomes less consistent
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement surfaces of the grasping platforms are designed with arcuate (curved) geometries rather than being flat. This curvature allows the platforms to maintain even pressure distribution as they deflect, because the arcuate shape guides the force application across the entire contact surface rather than concentrating it at specific points.
4Device complexity
If flat grasping platforms are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the ability to handle varying tissue thicknesses without damage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The grasping platforms are designed with controlled flexibility in the intermediate portions, allowing them to dynamically deflect to accommodate varying tissue thicknesses. This dynamic capability is achieved through the flexibility of the intermediate portions and the geometry of the engagement surfaces, enabling the platforms to adapt to different tissue types without requiring multiple rigid platform designs.
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 configuration enables better control over pressure distribution, minimizing tissue damage and ensuring a secure grip without excessive compression, particularly suitable for handling delicate tissues in ophthalmic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first and second grasping platforms is configured to deflect such that a contact area between the first and second engagement surfaces increases from their respective distal ends to their respective proximal ends as the first and second grasping platforms move towards the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A forceps includes a forceps tip including a first arm and a second arm. The first arm includes a first grasping platform including a first arcuate inner engagement surface. The second arm includes a second grasping platform including a second arcuate inner engagement surface. Each of the first and second engagement surfaces is arcuate about a transverse axis extending between the first and second engagement surfaces and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a forceps handle. The first and second grasping platforms are configured to initially contact one another only at their respective distal ends along the first and second engagement surfaces when actuated from an open position to a closed position, and are configured to deflect such that a contact area between the first and second engagement surfaces increases as the first and second grasping platforms move towards the closed position.