Forceps Pre-loaded Handle Latch Indicator Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical forceps lack an effective indicator mechanism to clearly indicate when the jaws are fully closed or locked, making it difficult for surgeons to ascertain the position of the jaws during surgery.
Innovation Solution
A closure assembly with a latch unit, movement unit, and indicator mechanism that provides audible or tactile feedback when the jaws are locked, ensuring the surgeon can confirm the locked state even when the closure assembly is in the unlatchable state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch unit is used to lock the jaws, then the jaws can be securely locked in position, but the surgeon cannot see or confirm the locked position of the jaws
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a visual feedback mechanism through an indicator that displays the position of the movable jaw relative to the stationary jaw. The indicator includes a window that shows whether the jaws are open, closed, or locked, providing real-time information to the surgeon without compromising the locking reliability of the latch unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an indicator mechanism as an intermediary element that translates the mechanical state of the latch unit into visible information. The indicator is coupled to the movable jaw and provides visual feedback about the jaw position, acting as a mediator between the locking mechanism and the surgeon's observation.
2Ease of operation
If the closure assembly is in the unlatchable state, then the jaws can be freely moved, but the surgeon cannot ascertain when the jaws are fully closed or locked
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator provides continuous visual feedback about jaw position regardless of whether the closure assembly is in latched or unlatched state. This allows the surgeon to precisely determine jaw position (fully open, partially closed, fully closed, or locked) while maintaining operational freedom when unlatched.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator may utilize color changes or different visual appearances to indicate different jaw positions. For example, different colors or patterns in the indicator window can show whether the jaws are open, closed, or locked, enhancing the surgeon's ability to quickly assess jaw position.
3Loss of information
If an indicator mechanism is added to show jaw position, then the surgeon can see the locked position, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator mechanism is merged with the existing latch unit and movable jaw assembly. The indicator utilizes components already present in the forceps (such as the movable jaw itself) and integrates them with the latch unit, reducing the need for separate, additional components and minimizing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator mechanism serves multiple functions: it shows jaw position, indicates locked state, and provides operational feedback. By making the indicator multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate indication systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maximizing information provision.
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 ensures that surgeons can confidently verify the locked position of the forceps' jaws, enhancing surgical precision and safety by providing clear feedback through audible or tactile indications.
Implementation Method 1
The latch unit includes a bias member that is pre-loaded when the bias member is located within the latch unit and the latch unit is located in a home position
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device comprising: a closure assembly comprising: (a) a movement unit including (i) a bar and (ii) a contact element, wherein the bar, the contact element, or both move in a direction of a prescribed motion; (b) a latch unit comprising: (i) a latch plate including: (1) a hook latch that selectively receives the bar, the latch plate being movable between: (A) a lockable state where the hook latch is engageable by the bar, and (B) an unlockable state where the hook latch is unengageable by the bar; (c) an indicator mechanism that moves into alignment with the prescribed motion of the contact element, the bar, or both when the latch unit is in the unlockable state so that the indicator is contacted by the bar, the contacting element, or both generating an indication.