Two-Part Forceps Drive Bar Structure for Assembly Space Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forceps designs are complex and costly to manufacture, with limited space for other components due to the need for preassembled drive bar parts and multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A two-part drive bar system using identical drive bar struts that snap into place on an inner shaft, simplifying design and manufacturing, reducing costs, and maximizing space for other components by eliminating the need for preassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional single-piece drive bar design is used, then the structure is simple, but the manufacturing cost is high and space for other components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The drive bar is divided into two separate drive bar struts that can be manufactured independently and then assembled together. This segmentation allows each strut to be simpler to manufacture while the combined structure provides the necessary functionality, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and structural requirements.
2Reliability
If multiple preassembled drive bar parts are used, then the drive function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate drive bar struts are merged to form a single functional drive bar assembly. This combining approach maintains the reliability of the drive function while allowing each component to be manufactured separately at lower cost, eliminating the need for expensive preassembled parts.
3Reliability
If a traditional drive bar design with multiple components is used, then the drive pin can be secured, but the space for other components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drive bar is segmented into two struts that can be positioned to laterally inward of the flanges, creating space between the drive bar struts for receiving the blade. This segmentation maintains drive pin retention functionality while optimizing the spatial arrangement to accommodate additional components.
4Ease of manufacture
If identical drive bar struts are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the structural symmetry must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
While the drive bar struts are substantially identical for manufacturing simplicity, they are positioned asymmetrically relative to the blade path, with the struts laterally inward of the flanges to create space for blade reception. This allows standardized manufacturing while achieving the required asymmetric functional arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
A forceps having a first jaw and a second jaw, where at least one of the first and second jaws is capable of moving between an open position and a closed positions. The forceps including an inner shaft located within an outer shaft and extending along the longitudinal axis, and a drive bar coupled to and extending distally from the inner shaft. The drive bar including a pair of drive bar struts extending from a distal portion of the inner shaft and positioned laterally inward of at least one of first and second set of flanges of the first and second jaws. A drive pin is securable to the pair of drive bar struts and the drive bar is translatable within the outer shaft to translate the drive pin to move the first jaw and/or the second jaw between open and closed positions.