Endoscopic Forceps Rotation with Radial Liquid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic surgical devices face difficulties in adjusting the gripping direction of forceps without hindering liquid flow, as the rotation of the forceps section is dependent on the sheath's rotation performance, which can obstruct the liquid delivery path.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a rotatable flow-path formation member with recesses orthogonal to the forceps' opening-closing direction, allowing the forceps to be rotated while maintaining a fixed position and ensuring unobstructed liquid delivery through dedicated liquid delivery holes, even when changing the opening-closing direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the forceps section is rotated by rotating the entire sheath to change the gripping direction, then the gripping direction can be adjusted, but the rotation performance depends on the sheath and it is difficult to adjust to the desired direction accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two independent rotation systems: (1) rotating the entire sheath for coarse positioning of the forceps section, and (2) rotating the forceps section itself relative to the sheath for fine adjustment of the gripping direction. This segmentation allows each component to perform its rotation function independently, achieving both ease of operation and precision in gripping direction adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The forceps section is designed with dynamic rotational capability relative to the sheath, allowing it to rotate independently around the sheath's central axis. This dynamic structure enables the operator to first position the sheath roughly and then precisely orient the forceps components by rotating only the forceps section, achieving accurate gripping direction adjustment without being constrained by sheath rotation limitations.
2Ease of operation
If the forceps section is rotated relative to the sheath to improve rotation performance, then the gripping direction can be adjusted more easily, but the forceps components may be positioned in front of the liquid delivery lumen and hinder the flow of delivered liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid delivery hole is positioned in the radial direction of the sheath, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, while the forceps components rotate in the circumferential direction around the sheath's central axis. By separating the liquid delivery path into a different spatial dimension (radial vs. circumferential), the rotation of forceps components for gripping direction adjustment does not interfere with the liquid flow path, eliminating the harmful obstruction effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid delivery hole is pre-positioned in the radial direction of the sheath before the forceps section is rotated into place. This preliminary positioning ensures that the liquid delivery path is established independently of the forceps orientation, so that subsequent rotation of the forceps components for gripping direction adjustment will not obstruct the already-established liquid flow path.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the forceps section is rotated to change the opening-closing direction, then the gripping direction can be adjusted, but the position of the forceps components becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation function is segmented into two independent parts: (1) sheath rotation for positioning the forceps section along the longitudinal axis, and (2) forceps section rotation for adjusting the gripping direction around the sheath's central axis. This segmentation allows each rotation to be controlled independently, maintaining stable positioning in one dimension while providing flexibility in the other, thus achieving both adaptability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The forceps section is designed with controlled dynamic rotation capability around the sheath's central axis, allowing it to change the opening-closing direction while maintaining a stable longitudinal position. The bracket structure provides a stable mounting base that allows rotation without compromising positional stability, enabling the forceps to adapt to different gripping directions while remaining firmly positioned within the sheath.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an endoscopic surgical device (1) includes: a sheath (2) having a pipe capable of delivering a liquid and insertable into a channel of an endoscope; a forceps section (3) including a pair of forceps components (3a) disposed so as to protrude from a distal end cover (30) provided at a distal end of the sheath (2) and a bracket (3c) that supports the forceps components (3a) in an openable-closable manner; an operable member (4d) that is connected to a proximal end of the forceps components (3a) and opens and closes the forceps components (3a) by being moved forward and rearward in a longitudinal direction; and a flow-path formation member (7) that is fixed to a proximal end of the bracket (3c) and is disposed in a rotatable manner about a central axis of the sheath (2). The flow-path formation member (7) includes a recess (7b) disposed in a direction orthogonal to an opening-closing direction of the forceps components (3a) relative to the bracket (3c) and recessed radially inward. The recess (7b) forms a gap between the flow-path formation member (7) and an inner peripheral surface of the distal end cover (30) so as to constitute a liquid delivery hole (8).