Ergonomic Forceps with Finger Rings for Surgical Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical forceps, especially those with extended lengths, pose ergonomic challenges such as instability and mechanical strain during use, leading to discomfort and fatigue in surgeons' hands due to their design limitations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of ergonomic support units, such as wings and rings, on the handles of forceps that can be adjustable and ambidextrous, providing enhanced stability and reducing the effort required to manipulate the instruments by distributing the grip more comfortably across the user's fingers and thumb.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If extended length forceps are used to reach deeper surgical sites, then the surgical reach and access are improved, but the stability and control in the user's hand deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforceps lengthVSAvoidforceps stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a third dimension to the forceps design by incorporating rings that encircle the user's fingers. This dimensional addition creates a three-point contact system (two rings on different fingers plus the thumb), transforming the traditional two-dimensional grip into a three-dimensional stabilizing structure that counteracts the leverage issues of extended-length forceps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional forceps handles are designed for standard grip, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the ergonomic comfort and user fatigue reduction are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidergonomic comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The forceps handle is segmented into distinct functional zones: the traditional handle portion for manipulation and added ring portions for finger accommodation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the handle for surgical function and the rings for ergonomic comfort - while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If forceps are designed for right-handed use, then the optimization for right-hand grip is achieved, but the adaptability to left-handed users is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveright-hand grip optimizationVSAvoidambidextrous usability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ring configuration is designed with universal applicability - two rings positioned on the handle that can accommodate any two fingers of either hand. This universal design allows left-handed surgeons to use the same forceps configuration as right-handed surgeons, simply by placing their fingers on the appropriate rings, thereby achieving ambidextrous usability without compromising grip optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20220202434A1Apparatus, systems and methods for ergonomic medical procedures

Publication Date: 2022.06.30 ARSHAVA EVGENY

AI summary

Ergonomic support units for use with medical instruments, such as surgical forceps. In various implementations the support units may include wings, rings, winged rings, or other support structures. An ergonomic instrument including a first support unit shaped to support at least one finger of a user and a second support unit shaped to support a thumb of a user, wherein the first support unit and second support unit are configured to reduce effort required to manipulate the ergonomic instrument.