Endoscopic Biopsy Forceps with Chamfered Edges and Roughened Jaws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biopsy forceps devices often have sharp edges and corners that can get caught in the endoscope working channel, leading to interference and inefficiency during tissue sampling, and their smooth surfaces can cause tissue samples to stick, prolonging procedure time.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates chamfered edges and corners, a roughened surface finish on the jaws, and specific tooth configurations to prevent sticking and improve sample retrieval, along with a soft-grip handle and variable flexibility in the elongate member to enhance maneuverability and user comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the end effector has sharp edges and corners, then the structural integrity and manufacturing ease are improved, but the device interferes with the endoscope working channel and causes inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing sharp edges and corners with rounded or chamfered surfaces on the end effector. This curvature modification allows the device to navigate through the endoscope working channel without interference while maintaining structural integrity and ease of manufacture.
2Manufacturing precision
If the end effector surface is smooth, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but tissue samples stick to the surface and procedure time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface parameter from smooth to roughened or textured. This parameter modification prevents tissue samples from sticking to the end effector surface, enabling faster sample retrieval and reducing procedure time while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled surface treatment processes.
3Strength
If the jaws have teeth with sharp crests, then the cutting effectiveness is improved, but the teeth get caught in the endoscope channel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the tooth crests, replacing sharp points with rounded or chamfered surfaces. This allows the teeth to maintain cutting effectiveness through their geometric configuration while preventing entanglement in the endoscope channel during insertion and removal.
4Strength
If the handle has hard grip surfaces, then the structural strength is improved, but user comfort and handling efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining hard structural materials with soft grip materials in the handle. The hard material provides structural strength while the soft material enhances user comfort and handling efficiency, creating a multi-functional handle design.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention include a medical device with one or more of a variety of features. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to endoscopic devices that include one or more features that improve the use of the device. Examples of such features include chamfered edges and corners on, for example, the end effectors, a surface with a controlled finish also on, for example, the end effectors, a jaw with teeth and/or a tang having various configurations, a handle having soft-grip features, and/or an elongate member with varied rigidity.