Surgical Forceps Jaw Deflection for Integrated Knife Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical instruments face spatial and functional constraints when adding multiple deployment structures for actuating various components, limiting the effectiveness of cutting mechanisms within their housing.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument design featuring a handle pivotably coupled to a housing with an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members, where the first jaw member is pivotably attached to a distal end of a shaft and the second jaw member is fixed by a living hinge, allowing for a knife to be exposed for cutting by over-traveling past the longitudinal axis, thereby alleviating the need for additional spatial considerations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional functional components and deployment structures are added to the surgical instrument, then the cutting capability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and spatial requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cutting function with the existing jaw closure mechanism by integrating a knife into the second jaw member. The knife is deployed through the deflection of the second jaw member itself, merging the cutting deployment structure with the jaw closure structure. This eliminates the need for separate deployment mechanisms while providing effective cutting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second jaw member serves multiple functions: it acts as both a clamping surface for tissue grasping and a deployment mechanism for the knife. By making the jaw member itself deflectable via a living hinge, it performs both structural support and active cutting deployment, reducing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional functional components are added to the surgical instrument, then the cutting capability is improved, but the spatial constraints within the housing are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting function is merged into the existing jaw structure. The knife is integrated within the second jaw member, and the deployment mechanism utilizes the deflection of the jaw member itself rather than requiring separate spatial accommodation for a dedicated knife deployment structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The second jaw member is designed with a living hinge that allows it to deflect dynamically during operation. This dynamic deflection enables the knife to be exposed for cutting without requiring additional permanent space allocation, as the cutting mechanism is activated through the natural movement range of the jaw member.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the second jaw member is made deflectable to expose the knife, then the cutting functionality is improved, but the structural stability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The living hinge provides controlled flexibility to the second jaw member, allowing it to deflect only within a specific range to expose the knife while maintaining structural integrity. The hinge creates a predictable, repeatable movement pattern that ensures stable and reliable knife deployment without compromising overall jaw member stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The living hinge modifies the structural parameters of the second jaw member by introducing a controlled degree of flexibility. This parameter change allows the jaw to transition between stable states (closed position and knife-exposed position) while maintaining overall structural stability through the hinge's mechanical properties.
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
Enables a simple and effective cutting mechanism with adjustable clamping pressure, allowing for tissue grasping and cutting without increasing the instrument's spatial requirements, while maintaining efficient operation and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
the second jaw member deflects relative to the longitudinal axis against the bias of the living hinge
Implementation Method 2
The first jaw member, upon actuation of the handle relative to the housing, is movable relative to the second jaw member
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft that extends therefrom and a handle pivotable relative thereto. An end effector assembly is attached to a distal end of the shaft and includes first and second jaw members. The first jaw member is pivotably attached to a distal end of the shaft and the second jaw member extends along a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and fixed to the distal end of the shaft by a living hinge. The first jaw member, upon actuation of the handle, is movable relative to the second jaw member between spaced-apart position, an approximated position for grasping tissue, and a second position for over-compressing tissue grasped between jaw members. A knife is disposed within a channel defined within the second jaw member and is exposed to cut tissue when the first jaw member over-travels to over-compress the second jaw member.