Electrosurgical Jaw Mechanism for Higher Opening Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatment devices lack sufficient force to effectively open jaws when encountering resistance during tissue peeling procedures.
Innovation Solution
A treatment device with a movable handle and a wire mechanism that applies a force to open the jaws, utilizing a cutting blade and slider system to enhance jaw opening and closing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a reciprocating member is used to close the jaws by sliding forward through a channel, then the closing function is achieved, but the force available to open the jaws when moving back is insufficient to overcome resistance during tissue peeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic jaw opening mechanism where the force required to open the jaws is not constant but varies based on the operational state. A spring-loaded assist mechanism provides additional force during jaw opening when resistance is detected, while maintaining normal closing function through the reciprocating member. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing enhanced opening force only when needed, rather than requiring a completely different mechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a spring-loaded counterbalancing mechanism that provides assisting force during jaw opening. The spring acts as a counterweight system, storing energy during jaw closing and releasing it during jaw opening to overcome resistance. This counterbalancing approach compensates for the insufficient opening force of the reciprocating member without interfering with the primary closing function.
2Reliability
If the jaws are designed to clamp tissues for sealing and transecting, then the sealing and cutting functions are achieved, but the mechanism lacks sufficient force to open the jaws against resistance during peeling procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spring-loaded assist mechanism as an intermediary element between the reciprocating member and the jaws. This intermediary provides additional opening force when resistance is encountered during tissue peeling, while not interfering with the primary sealing and cutting functions. The spring mechanism acts as a mediator that supplements the opening force only when needed, maintaining reliability of the sealing and cutting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the opening force based on operational conditions. During normal sealing and cutting operations, the standard reciprocating mechanism suffices. However, when resistance is detected during tissue peeling, the spring-loaded assist mechanism activates to provide additional opening force, ensuring the jaws can be opened against resistance without compromising the reliability of sealing and cutting functions.
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 device provides enhanced jaw opening force, enabling efficient tissue peeling and sealing operations by improving the mechanical operation of the jaws.
Implementation Method 1
A wire is connected to one of the first jaw or the second jaw to apply the force to move the first jaw away from the second jaw
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
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AI summary
A treatment device equipped with high frequency capability has a pair of clasping jaws. The upper and lower jaws are openable-closable and serves as high frequency electrodes to clamp and seal and/or transect tissue. A blade traverses a channel in the upper and lower jaws and is used to open and close the upper and lower jaws. Additional structures and mechanisms contribute to the operation of the upper and lower jaws and add strength to the opening of the clasping jaws, which is useful in the procedure of peeling tissues using the opening movement of the clasping jaws.