Adjustable Force Switch for Small-Gap Tissue Compression Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing force switches lack the ability to indicate when the acceptable minimum compression force has been exceeded, particularly in medical devices where tissue is compressed between two surfaces, and they do not provide a longitudinal actuation mechanism over a small gap, which is crucial for ensuring optimal tissue compression during procedures like stapling.
Innovation Solution
A force switch that actuates over a small gap (25 to 200 micrometers) and is longitudinally in-line with the device, capable of withstanding higher longitudinal forces, with a pre-set force setting that can be adjusted to match the 'safe' range of tissue compression, using a hollow body with a movable switching element, biasing elements, and electrically-conductive contacts to indicate when the pre-tension force is exceeded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a force switch is designed to actuate over a small gap (25 to 200 micrometers) to indicate minimum compression force, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force switch employs a nested structure where the contact piston is disposed within the hollow body, and the biasing element is contained within the same hollow body. This nesting arrangement allows the small gap actuation mechanism to be integrated compactly, achieving precise measurement without excessive device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The force switch is segmented into distinct functional components: a hollow body, a contact piston, and a biasing element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve precise small gap detection.
2Strength
If the force switch is designed to withstand high longitudinal forces (300 pounds) while maintaining a small actuation gap, then the strength is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element provides a dynamic spring force that allows the contact piston to remain in contact with the biasing element under high longitudinal loads. This dynamic interaction enables the switch to withstand 300 pounds of force while maintaining the precise small gap actuation capability through the elastic properties of the biasing element.
3Ease of operation
If the force switch uses a longitudinal actuation mechanism to indicate tissue compression, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force switch merges the actuation mechanism with the indication mechanism by using the contact piston's longitudinal movement to directly open or close an electrical contact. This merging eliminates the need for separate actuation and indication components, achieving ease of operation while controlling device complexity.
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 force switch effectively indicates when the pre-tension force has been exceeded, allowing for precise control of tissue compression, enhancing the success of medical procedures by ensuring the force is within a safe range, thereby preventing tissue damage or insufficient change.
Implementation Method 1
disposing a biasing element about the switching element to impart a biasing force to the switching element
Data Source
AI summary
A method of adjusting a switch of a device, wherein the method comprises using a biasing force-adjusting element to adjust a magnitude of a biasing force that is imparted to a switching element of the switch by a biasing element that is disposed about the switching element. The biasing force places the switching element in one of a first position and a second position, wherein the first position corresponds to a first electrical state and the second position corresponds to a second electrical state.