Electrosurgical Forceps Cup Support Element Tine Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior electrosurgical forceps often have air pockets within the cup due to incomplete filling with potting material, leading to misalignment or 'scissoring' of the tines, which affects the optimal grasping and coagulating of tissue.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a support element within the cup, such as collars and ribs, to securely hold the proximal ends of the tines, ensuring they remain aligned and firmly affixed, thereby preventing misalignment and enhancing the operational effectiveness of the forceps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cup is filled with potting material to support the tines, then the tines are secured in position, but air pockets remain within the cup causing misalignment or scissoring of the tines
Solution Approach 1:
A support element is pre-positioned within the cup before the potting material is applied. This support element creates a predetermined support surface that ensures proper tine alignment from the outset, preventing air pockets from causing misalignment during the potting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element acts as an intermediary between the cup and the tines, providing a stable interface that ensures proper positioning. This intermediate structure eliminates the direct contact issues between potting material and tines that cause air pockets and alignment problems.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the potting material is applied to secure the tines, then the tines are fixed in the cup, but air pockets cause loosening and misalignment of the tines
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is installed before applying the potting material, establishing a stable foundation that prevents air pockets from forming between the potting material and the tines. This preliminary structuring ensures both fixation and alignment stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element provides localized structural support at critical positions within the cup, creating specific support surfaces where needed. This localized reinforcement ensures proper tine alignment and prevents air pocket formation at key interfaces without requiring complete filling of the entire cup volume.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical forceps incorporates a support element within an interior of a cup for supporting one or both tines at their proximal ends. The support element minimizes or prevents misalignment of the tips of the forceps during use.