Forceps Jaw Flange Geometry for Compact Stable Closure
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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, and preventing damage, while maintaining stability.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a handpiece with an actuation system that includes a drive shaft motion transfer assembly, a lever, and a rotational actuator, which allows for precise control of the end effector's movements, including opening, closing, rotating, and extending/retracting blades, while incorporating a force-limiting mechanism to prevent damage from excessive force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional forceps design is used, then manufacturing and packaging are simpler, but device complexity and packaging space are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps is divided into modular components including a handpiece module, shaft module, and end effector module that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This segmentation reduces overall device complexity while maintaining manufacturability through standardized interfaces and independent production of each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector components are nested within the shaft structure, with the jaw assembly contained within the distal shaft portion. This nesting arrangement reduces packaging space and device complexity by eliminating separate housing structures while maintaining ease of manufacture through integrated component design.
2Volume of stationary object
If conventional forceps design is used, then packaging space is larger, but device stability is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is nested within the shaft structure, with the jaw assembly contained within the distal shaft portion. This nesting arrangement significantly reduces packaging space while maintaining device stability through rigid structural integration and precise mechanical coupling between nested components.
Solution Approach 2:
The forceps components are arranged in a compact three-dimensional configuration where the shaft extends longitudinally and the end effector folds or nests within the shaft cross-section. This dimensional optimization reduces packaging volume while maintaining structural stability through optimized spatial arrangement.
3Ease of operation
If actuation system is added for precise control, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system utilizes the surgeon's manual manipulation of the end effector itself to drive the actuation mechanism. The end effector serves dual functions as both the surgical tool and the actuator, eliminating the need for separate complex actuation systems while improving ease of operation through intuitive hand-controlled actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the surgical instrument for tissue manipulation and as the actuation mechanism for controlling jaw movement. This universal design reduces device complexity by combining functions into a single component while maintaining ease of operation through direct manual control.
4Reliability
If force-limiting mechanism is added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A spring mechanism is pre-loaded within the actuation system to provide force limiting before excessive force can be applied. This beforehand cushioning protects the forceps from damage due to over-closing or excessive manipulation forces while maintaining reliability through passive mechanical protection that does not add significant complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The force-limiting mechanism is integrated into the existing actuation system, utilizing the spring-loaded components already present in the manual actuation mechanism. This self-service approach provides reliability through built-in protection without adding separate complex safety systems.
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.