Surgical Forceps Jaw Dynamics for Even Force Distribution

Solution Overview

Problem

Forceps with opposing jaws often experience uneven gripping forces, leading to potential damage of anatomical features at the proximal portion and unwanted movement or 'squirting' of features from the distal end due to higher gripping forces at the proximal portion.

Innovation Solution

The instrument features a pair of jaws with a translational movement followed by a non-translational movement, where the distal portion closes faster than the proximal portion, and includes constraints such as slots and pins to control the jaw movement, ensuring even force distribution and preventing anatomical features from being pushed or 'squirting' off.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If traditional forceps with opposing jaws are used to grip anatomical features, then the jaws can effectively grasp and manipulate the feature, but the gripping forces are unevenly distributed with higher forces at the proximal portion causing damage and pushing the feature off the distal end

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripping force distributionVSAvoiddamage to anatomical feature

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The jaw mechanism transitions from a static gripping position to a dynamic closing motion. The jaw distal portion moves perpendicular to the gripping surface to engage the anatomical feature, then both jaws translate toward each other while maintaining parallel gripping surfaces. This dynamic sequence ensures even force distribution throughout the closing process, preventing concentrated forces that would damage the anatomical feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the motion parameters of the jaw components. Instead of simple rotational closure, the jaw distal portion undergoes perpendicular displacement followed by translational movement. The gripping surfaces maintain parallel orientation throughout the motion, changing the force application parameters from concentrated proximal forces to distributed forces across the entire gripping surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If traditional forceps close the jaws by simple rotation, then the mechanism is simple, but the proximal portion pushes the anatomical feature along the jaw length and it squirts off the distal end

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejaw closing mechanismVSAvoidposition stability of anatomical feature

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The jaw closing mechanism employs a two-stage dynamic motion: first the distal portion moves perpendicular to the gripping surface to establish proper engagement, then both jaws translate toward each other while maintaining parallel gripping surfaces. This controlled dynamic sequence prevents the anatomical feature from being pushed along the jaw length, maintaining its position stability throughout the closing operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the jaws close with high gripping forces to secure the anatomical feature, then the grip is firm, but the uneven force distribution damages the proximal portion of the anatomical feature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrip securityVSAvoiddamage to proximal portion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the motion parameters of the jaw components. Instead of simple rotational closure, the jaw distal portion undergoes perpendicular displacement followed by translational movement. The gripping surfaces maintain parallel orientation throughout the motion, changing the force application parameters from concentrated proximal forces to distributed forces across the entire gripping surface, ensuring reliable grip without damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10792060B2Instrument with a controlled jaw movement

Publication Date: 2020.10.06 GYRUS ACMI INC

AI summary

An instrument includes a hand piece, a pair of jaws, and an actuator. The jaws extend from the hand piece. Each jaw includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The actuator is in communication with both the hand piece and the pair of jaws. Movement of the actuator causes the jaws to move from an open configuration to a closed configuration. During the move from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the jaws undergo a translational movement followed by a first non-translational movement.