Endoscopic Grasping Device with Interlocking Teeth
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopic grasping devices face challenges in securely grasping and removing objects from the gastrointestinal tract due to limitations in jaw design, which can lead to damage to the tract and inadequate retention of foreign bodies.
Innovation Solution
The endoscopic grasping device features a fork with interlocking front teeth and differently shaped rear teeth, a hemisphere-shaped distal tip, and an extended tang portion, allowing for increased leverage and pressure to securely capture and remove objects without damaging the tract.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional jaws are used in endoscopic grasping devices, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to securely grasp and retain objects is insufficient and may cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw is divided into multiple functional segments: front teeth for initial engagement, interlocking front teeth for secure retention, and differently shaped rear teeth for additional grip. This segmentation allows each part to perform a specific function that collectively improves grasping reliability without requiring a completely new jaw design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the jaw are given different properties: the front teeth are designed for initial contact, the interlocking front teeth provide retention through their interlocking geometry, and the rear teeth have different shapes to accommodate various object types. This local differentiation of jaw properties enables secure grasping of diverse objects while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Reliability
If increased pressure is applied to secure foreign bodies, then retention improves, but damage to the gastrointestinal tract may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The distal tip of the device is formed as a smooth hemisphere, distributing contact pressure over a curved surface rather than concentrating it at a single point. This curvature allows the device to apply sufficient pressure for secure retention while reducing the risk of localized tissue damage to the gastrointestinal tract.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended tang portion is designed to engage the gastrointestinal tract wall before the jaws close on the foreign body. This preliminary engagement creates a cushioning effect that stabilizes the device position and distributes forces, preventing sudden pressure spikes that could damage the tract during the grasping operation.
3Force
If an extended tang portion is added to increase leverage, then grasping force improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extended tang portion is merged with the existing fork structure, combining the leverage-providing tang with the jaw-mounting fork into a single integrated component. This merging allows the device to gain additional grasping force through extended leverage while avoiding the complexity of adding separate mechanical systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The present subject matter is directed to an endoscopic grasping device for capturing objects within a human subject. The device includes a fork; and two jaws pivotally mounted about a pivot point to the fork, and movable between a predetermined closed position and a predetermined open position. Each jaw comprises front teeth near a distal end of the jaw. The front teeth of both jaws are configured to substantially mesh with each other when the jaws are in the closed position. The substantially meshed front teeth of both jaws in the closed position form a substantially hemisphere-shaped distal tip.