Endoscopic Forceps Jaw Latch Plate for Simpler Lever Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current latching mechanisms for endoscopic cutting forceps are mechanically complex, making them difficult and expensive to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically simple lever latching system comprising a housing, a lever with a latch pin, and a latch plate with a labyrinth, allowing for easy and inexpensive production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latching mechanism is provided for the lever to lock the jaws in closed position, then the functionality for temporary locking during tissue cutting is improved, but the device complexity increases making it difficult and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The latch plate is integrated into the lever assembly, combining the latching function with the existing lever structure. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining the ability to lock the jaws in closed position during cutting operations
Solution Approach 2:
The latch plate serves multiple functions: it acts as both a latching mechanism to hold the jaws closed and as a structural component of the lever assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate latching parts, reducing complexity while preserving reliability
2Reliability
If a latching mechanism is provided for the lever, then the ability to temporarily lock jaws is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to increased manufacturing cost and difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the latch plate into the lever assembly rather than using separate latching components, the manufacturing process is simplified. The combined structure can be produced as a single piece or pre-assembled unit, reducing assembly steps and manufacturing cost while maintaining the latching function
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential latching function from complex mechanical systems and implements it through a simple latch plate and latch pin arrangement. This extraction of the core function eliminates unnecessary complexity and reduces manufacturing difficulty
Data Source
AI summary
A lever latching system comprising: a housing; a lever having a latch pin fixedly mounted to the lever, the lever being movably mounted to the housing so that the latch pin moves in an arc; and a latch plate movably mounted to the housing for linear movement with respect to the housing, the latch plate comprising a labyrinth for receiving the latch pin.