Forceps Actuation Assembly With Force-Limiting Jaw and Blade Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical devices, such as forceps, face challenges in reducing packaging space, simplifying design and manufacturing, enhancing user experience, improving stability, and preventing damage during use.
Innovation Solution
The development of a medical device with a handpiece that includes an actuation system allowing for the control of end effectors, featuring a drive shaft motion transfer assembly with a force-limiting mechanism to prevent damage and improve user experience, and a blade assembly for tissue manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional forceps actuation system is used, then the device structure is simple, but the packaging space is large and the user experience is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the blade assembly inside the jaw structure, where the blade can extend and retract within the jaw's internal space. This nested configuration reduces the overall packaging volume while maintaining full functionality of both the jaw closing mechanism and the blade extension mechanism, thereby resolving the contradiction between compact size and operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation system is designed to perform multiple functions through a unified mechanism. The same actuation system controls both the jaw closing action and the blade extension/retraction, eliminating the need for separate actuation systems. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device volume while improving user experience through integrated control.
2Reliability
If the forceps are made more robust to prevent damage, then the stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a force-limiting mechanism that acts as a protective cushion before damage can occur. This mechanism includes a force limit element that engages to prevent excessive forces from damaging the forceps during use. By providing this protective function in advance, the system enhances reliability without requiring overly robust structural design, thus avoiding increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The force-limiting mechanism serves as an intermediary between the actuation system and the forceps structure. It mediates the force transmission by limiting maximum forces, thereby protecting the forceps from damage without requiring the entire structure to be designed for high-strength applications. This intermediary approach improves reliability while maintaining design simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the actuation system is simplified for easier manufacturing, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the control precision of the end effector is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a jaw actuation mechanism and a blade actuation mechanism. Each module is designed independently with standardized components, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining precise control. The segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function without compromising overall precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the cam mechanism to achieve precise control. By varying the cam profile parameters, the system can control the timing and magnitude of blade extension relative to jaw closing. This parameter-based control allows for precise end effector actuation using simple mechanical components that are easy to manufacture.
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 solution enhances the stability and usability of medical devices by reducing the risk of damage to the forceps and improving user control, while also simplifying design and manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
a force-limiting mechanism to prevent damage
Data Source
AI summary
Forceps including a housing, a first body, a second body and a drive shaft. The first body has a passageway extending therethrough. The drive shaft extending through the passageway and connected to the first body such that the first body and the drive shaft are slidable with respect to the housing to drive jaws located at a distal portion of the drive shaft between an open position and a closed position. The second body having a second passageway. The drive shaft extending through the second passageway such that the second body is guided by the drive shaft and is slidable relative to the first body and the drive shaft to displace a blade shaft between a retracted position and an extended position.