Forceps Actuation Limiting for Stable Jaw Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical devices, such as forceps, face challenges in reducing packaging space, simplifying design and manufacturing, improving user experience, enhancing stability, and preventing damage during actuation.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a handpiece with an actuation system that includes a drive shaft motion transfer assembly, lever, and rotational actuator to control end effectors like jaws and blades, featuring a force-limiting mechanism to protect against over-travel and improve stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional forceps design is used, then manufacturing and packaging are simpler, but packaging space is larger and design complexity is higher
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps design implements nesting by placing the blade assembly inside the jaw structure, and the drive shaft motion transfer assembly within the handpiece housing. This nested configuration allows compact packaging while maintaining full functionality, directly reducing packaging space without proportionally increasing design complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handpiece is designed to perform multiple functions: it houses the drive shaft motion transfer assembly for actuating jaws, accommodates the blade assembly, and integrates the actuation system. This multi-functionality consolidates components that would otherwise require separate housings, reducing overall packaging volume.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional actuation system is used, then design is simpler, but stability is reduced and damage prevention is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The drive shaft motion transfer assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the actuation system and the jaw/blade end effectors. It includes a motion transfer body with camming surfaces that convert actuation forces into controlled jaw closing and blade extension motions, providing stable and precise actuation while protecting against over-travel damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The force-limiting mechanism incorporating a spring element provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing excess actuation forces before they can cause damage to the forceps components. This protective feature is built into the actuation system design, ensuring stability and preventing damage during operation.
3Force
If excessive force is applied during actuation, then jaw closing force increases, but damage to forceps occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The drive shaft motion transfer assembly serves as a force-mediated intermediary, using camming surfaces to convert actuation forces into controlled jaw closing forces. This mechanism ensures that sufficient force is transmitted for effective jaw closure while preventing excessive force transmission that could damage the forceps.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element in the force-limiting mechanism provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing excess actuation forces. When excessive force is applied during actuation, the spring compresses to absorb the excess energy, preventing damage to the forceps components while still allowing adequate jaw closing force during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Medical devices include a ground link, a first actuator pivotably coupled to the ground link and a first movable element operatively coupled to the first actuator by a linkage. The linkage including: the ground link; a second link that is pivotable with respect to the ground link; a fourth link that is pivotable with respect to the ground link; and a third link having a main body extending from a first portion to a second portion and a blocking tab extending away from the main body. The medical device further including a second actuator operatively coupled to the ground link, the second actuator having a blocking surface including a blocking tab that is positioned to engage with at least a portion of the blocking surface of the second actuator to limit movement of the second actuator until the first actuator is at least partially actuated.