Forceps Motion Transfer Assembly With Clip Retention and Force Limiting
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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, increasing stability, and preventing damage due to excessive force transmission to end effectors, particularly in actuating drive shafts and managing rotational forces effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a motion transfer assembly within the handpiece that includes a drive shaft, biasing element, and clip, which applies compression force and features a resilient joint to prevent backout, allowing for controlled actuation of end effectors like jaws and blades, and includes a force-limiting mechanism to protect against excessive force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional forceps actuation systems are used, then the design is simple, but packaging space cannot be reduced and excessive force transmission damages end effectors
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is divided into separate functional modules: a drive shaft for linear actuation, a cam mechanism for rotational control, and a blade assembly for cutting function. Each component is independently designed and can be manufactured separately, then assembled into a compact configuration that reduces overall packaging space while maintaining reliability through modular force transmission paths
Solution Approach 2:
A motion transfer assembly acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the end effector, including a drive shaft, cam mechanism, and retention elements. This intermediary system controls and limits force transmission, preventing excessive forces from reaching the end effector while enabling compact packaging through efficient space utilization
2Volume of moving object
If the actuation system is made more compact, then packaging space is reduced, but design and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into standardizable components (drive shaft, cam, blade assembly) that can be manufactured using conventional processes and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for manufacturing simplicity while the overall compact arrangement reduces packaging space
Solution Approach 2:
Components are nested within each other to maximize space utilization: the drive shaft passes through the cam mechanism, which in turn interacts with the blade assembly. This nested arrangement achieves compact packaging without requiring complex integrated manufacturing processes
3Ease of operation
If force transmission is increased for better actuation, then end effector control improves, but excessive force damages the forceps
Solution Approach 1:
The motion transfer assembly serves as a force-limited intermediary between the actuator and end effector. The cam mechanism and retention elements control the transmission path, allowing sufficient force for effective actuation while preventing force multiplication that could damage the forceps structure
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism and retention elements are designed with built-in force distribution characteristics that prevent excessive force transmission before damage can occur. The geometry of the cam and positioning of retention elements create natural force limits that protect the forceps while maintaining adequate actuation capability
4Ease of operation
If rotational actuation is added for better manipulation, then user control improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linear actuation of the drive shaft and rotational actuation of the cam mechanism are merged into a single integrated motion transfer assembly. This combination provides both translational and rotational control capabilities without requiring separate actuation systems, thereby improving manipulation control while limiting the increase in overall 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
This solution enhances the actuation system's efficiency, stability, and user experience by reducing the risk of damage to the forceps, improving the transmission of forces, and enabling precise control over end effector movements, including rotation and extension/retraction of blades.
Implementation Method 1
The clip is positioned to apply a compression force to the biasing element
Implementation Method 2
one or more of the clip, the body and the drive shaft include a resilient joint
Data Source
AI summary
Medical devices including a housing, an actuator, a body having a passageway extending through the body, a drive shaft extending through the passageway, and a clip coupled to the body and the drive shaft to fix the body relative to the drive shaft. The medical device further including features to couple the clip to at least one of the body and/or the drive shaft such that back out of the clip is inhibited.