Electrosurgical Forceps Pivot Assembly for Consistent Clamping Pressure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical forceps face challenges in consistently applying a precise range of clamping pressure for effective tissue sealing and subsequent precise tissue severing post-treatment, as they rely on mechanical action and electrical energy without a reliable mechanism to maintain consistent pressure during tissue treatment.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a pivot assembly with a resilient pivot member and a rigid pivot pin, allowing for consistent clamping pressure between jaw members by compressing the pivot member radially inward when a threshold force is applied, ensuring a consistent pressure range of 3 kg/cm² to 16 kg/cm² for effective tissue sealing, and includes a knife deployment mechanism for precise tissue severing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical clamping action is used to grasp tissue, then tissue sealing can be achieved, but consistent clamping pressure cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot member is designed with specific material properties (resilient material) and geometric parameters (thickness, width) that enable it to automatically maintain clamping pressure within a predetermined range (3-16 kg/cm²) through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for manual pressure adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient pivot member automatically compensates for variations in tissue compliance and applies consistent clamping pressure through its elastic properties, allowing the system to self-regulate pressure without external intervention or complex control mechanisms
2Manufacturing precision
If a knife is integrated for tissue severing, then precise tissue cutting can be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The knife is integrated into the existing forceps structure by incorporating it into the shaft member and utilizing the pivot assembly mechanism for deployment, combining the severing function with the clamping mechanism rather than adding a completely separate system
Solution Approach 2:
The knife is pre-positioned within the shaft member in a stored configuration, ready for immediate deployment when needed. The deployment mechanism allows the knife to be quickly advanced from its stored position to its operative position without requiring complex assembly or adjustment procedures
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 ensures consistent and controlled clamping pressure for efficient tissue sealing and precise severing, enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of electrosurgical procedures by maintaining a predetermined pressure range and facilitating easy deployment of the knife for tissue cutting.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient pivot member and a rigid pivot pin, allowing for consistent clamping pressure between jaw members by compressing the pivot member radially inward when a threshold force is applied
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An electrosurgical forceps includes a pair of first and second shaft members pivotably coupled to one another, an end effector assembly coupled to the pair of first and second shaft members, and a resilient, compressible pivot assembly pivotably coupling the first and second shaft members to one another.