Surgical Forceps Finger Ring With Haptic Actuation Force Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments lack a perceptible and definable actuation force, making it difficult to control the clamping force effectively during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with two handles featuring an elastic first finger rest that moves relative to a rigid second finger rest, providing a perceptible 'pressure point' when the actuating force reaches a specific level, allowing for controlled actuation force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a fixed handle with sliding guide and locking mechanism is used, then the actuation force is constrained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first finger rest is designed as an elastic element that can dynamically deform under actuation force, allowing the handle to adapt to different actuation forces without complex locking mechanisms. The elastic deformation provides continuous adjustment capability while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic properties of the first finger rest allow the actuation force parameter to vary continuously based on the degree of elastic deformation. This enables force control through material property rather than mechanical constraints, reducing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If no pressure point indication is provided, then the device is simpler, but the measurement precision of actuation force decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The second finger rest serves as a visual and tactile feedback indicator that provides real-time information about the actuation force applied. When the first finger rest deforms elastically, the change in position or contact status of the second finger rest gives immediate feedback to the user about the current force level, enabling precise force control.
Solution Approach 2:
The second finger rest may change its visual appearance (such as color or position) in response to the elastic deformation of the first finger rest, providing a clear and intuitive indication of the actuation force level without adding complex measurement devices.
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 instrument provides haptic feedback at a defined actuation force, ensuring consistent and controlled clamping force application, enhancing surgical precision and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The first finger rest is elastic in the direction of actuation, meaning it is movable in the direction of the first handle. The greater the actuating force that acts on the first finger rest in the direction of actuation, the greater the movement of the first finger rest on the second handle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a surgical instrument (1), for example, surgical forceps (2), with a shaft (3) from which two rod-shaped handles (5, 6) project laterally in a longitudinal plane of the shaft (3), a second handle (6) being movable towards the first handle (5) for actuating the surgical instrument (1). The invention proposes to design the surgical instrument (1) with a spring-loaded tongue (14) as a first finger rest (13) in a finger ring (10) on the second handle (6). To actuate the surgical instrument (1), the first finger rest (13) is pressed towards the first handle (5) with a finger and is thereby elastically bent until it is flush with a second finger rest (15) rigidly arranged in the finger ring (10), which is perceptible haptically as a "pressure point".The "pressure point" signals the reaching of a predetermined actuating force, at which the actuation of the surgical instrument (1) is terminated.