Surgical Forceps with Four-Bar Mechanism for Foreign Body Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments, such as forceps, are inadequate for safely and efficiently retrieving smooth, rounded foreign bodies from the airway and esophagus, as they often slip and require complex handling or specialized baskets.
Innovation Solution
The development of Bronchoscopy Forceps with a four-bar or three-bar mechanism that allows for parallel or nearly parallel jaw action, enabling secure grip and retrieval of foreign bodies without slipping, using a mechanism that includes clamps operably coupled to an actuator rod and pivot housing for precise closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current forceps are used to retrieve foreign bodies, then the device is simple and easy to use, but the foreign bodies can slip distally into the airway
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps employs a four-bar mechanism that dynamically adjusts the jaw configuration during closure. The mechanism transitions from an open position where jaws are divergent to a closed position where jaws become parallel, dynamically adapting the grip geometry to match the foreign body shape and prevent slipping
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the jaw arrangement during operation. By modifying the jaw angle from divergent to parallel through the four-bar mechanism, the contact surface area and grip distribution are optimized to securely hold smooth rounded foreign bodies without slipping
2Reliability
If baskets are used for foreign bodies, then grip security is improved, but the device requires 2 persons to handle and can break easily
Solution Approach 1:
The basket's complex multi-component structure is segmented into a simplified four-bar mechanism with two jaws. This segmentation reduces the number of parts from multiple basket elements to just four main links, making the device easier to handle while maintaining the secure enveloping grip through parallel jaw action
Solution Approach 2:
The essential gripping function of the basket is extracted and implemented through the parallel jaw mechanism. By taking out only the critical envelope-and-hold capability from the complex basket design, the forceps achieves secure grip on smooth foreign bodies with a simpler, more robust structure that is easier to operate
3Reliability
If baskets are used for foreign bodies, then grip security is improved, but the device structure becomes complex and fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The static, rigid basket structure is replaced with a dynamic four-bar mechanism that achieves grip security through controlled motion. The parallel jaw action dynamically adapts to the foreign body, providing secure engagement without requiring the complex, fragile multi-component structure of traditional baskets
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex overall structure like the basket, the patent applies local quality by concentrating the gripping function in the parallel jaw configuration. The four-bar mechanism provides structural robustness through its simple, strong links while the parallel jaw geometry locally optimizes the grip on smooth foreign bodies
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are systems, methods and apparatuses for surgical forceps for an easier and safer retrieval of foreign bodies in passages for better quality of care for patients.