Forceps Jaw Flange Structure for Stable Tissue Engagement
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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, improving 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 experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional forceps design is used, then the structure is simple, but the packaging space cannot be reduced and damage prevention is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The force-limiting mechanism is nested within the existing forceps structure, with the spring and clip components integrated into the jaw assembly. The clip is positioned within the jaw structure and the spring is housed within the forceps body, allowing the damage prevention mechanism to occupy minimal additional space without requiring separate external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The force-limiting mechanism is merged with the jaw actuation system by using the existing spring-loaded clip structure that interacts with the jaw closure path. This integration allows the damage prevention feature to be combined with the existing actuation mechanism rather than adding a completely separate system.
2Reliability
If force-limiting mechanism is added, then damage prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force-limiting mechanism operates automatically without requiring external control or intervention. The spring-loaded clip engages with the jaw closure path and automatically limits the force applied to tissue, providing self-regulating protection against excessive force while maintaining simple operation for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is pre-loaded to provide a predetermined force limit before jaw closure occurs. This beforehand cushioning mechanism ensures that excessive force is prevented from the outset by the spring's predetermined compression characteristics, protecting against damage before it can occur.
3Ease of operation
If jaw flanges are modified, then tissue engagement is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flanges are added only to specific locations on the jaw where tissue engagement is needed, rather than modifying the entire jaw structure. This localized addition of engagement features allows improved tissue grasping while minimizing the overall complexity increase and keeping manufacturing relatively simple.
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 experience
Data Source
AI summary
Forceps can include an outer tube, a first jaw, a second jaw, and an inner tube. The outer tube can extend along a longitudinal axis and can include a pair of outer arms extending from a distal portion of the outer tube. The first jaw can be pivotably connected to the outer tube and the first jaw can include a first flange and a second flange each located at a proximal portion of the first jaw. The first flange and the second flange can each include a proximal portion extending outward of the outer tube when the jaws are in an open position. The proximal portions can be shaped to limit extension of the proximal portions laterally beyond the outer arms.