Forceps Jaw Flange Geometry With Force-Limiting Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical devices with handpieces that actuate end effectors, such as forceps, face challenges in reducing packaging space, simplifying design and manufacturing, enhancing user experience, increasing stability, and preventing damage.
Innovation Solution
The development of a medical device with a handpiece that includes an actuation system allowing for the control of end effectors to be rotatable, openable, closeable, extendable, and capable of supplying electromagnetic energy, featuring a drive shaft motion transfer assembly with a force-limiting spring and clip to prevent damage and improve user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional forceps design is used, then manufacturing and packaging are simpler, but device stability and damage prevention are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The force-limiting spring is pre-installed in the motion transfer assembly to provide automatic force limitation and damage prevention. This beforehand cushioning mechanism limits the maximum force that can be applied to the jaw, preventing tissue damage and reducing the risk of device malfunction, while maintaining a relatively simple overall design
2Object-affected harmful factors
If force-limiting mechanism is added, then damage prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force-limiting spring acts as an intermediary element within the motion transfer assembly, mediating between the actuation force and the jaw. This spring intermediary automatically limits the force transmitted to the jaw without requiring complex control systems, sensors, or multiple components, thus preventing tissue damage while maintaining design simplicity
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 allowing precise control of end effectors while preventing damage through the force-limiting mechanism, improving user experience and reducing packaging complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a force-limiting spring and clip to prevent damage and improve user interaction
Data Source
AI summary
Forceps can include a drive pin, an outer tube, a first jaw, a second jaw, and an inner shaft. The outer tube can extend along a longitudinal axis. The first jaw can be pivotably connected to the outer tube. The first jaw can include a first flange that can be located at a proximal portion of the first jaw. The first flange can include a first chamfered edge configured to limit extension of the first flange laterally beyond an outer surface of the outer tube when the first jaw is in a closed position. The inner shaft can be located within the outer tube and can extend along the longitudinal axis.