Forceps Pre-Loaded Handle Latch for Efficient Jaw Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forceps require multiple manipulations for locking and unlocking the jaws, leading to inefficiencies in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A closure assembly with a latch unit that includes a pre-loaded bias member, a hook latch, and a movement unit to facilitate positive positioning and efficient locking and unlocking of the jaws, utilizing a compression spring to provide a consistent bias force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a latch unit with a pre-loaded bias member is used, then the locking and unlocking efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bias member (compression spring) is pre-loaded within the latch unit to automatically provide the force necessary for locking and unlocking actions. This preliminary preparation of mechanical energy eliminates the need for multiple manual manipulations, as the spring automatically engages and disengages the latch during jaw movement, thereby improving operational efficiency while containing structural complexity through integrated design
2Ease of operation
If multiple manipulations are required for locking and unlocking, then the ease of operation deteriorates, but the reliability of the locking mechanism is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The latch unit is designed to perform its locking and unlocking functions automatically through the mechanical action of the bias member. When the jaws move to the closed position, the pre-loaded spring automatically engages the latch without requiring additional user manipulation. Conversely, when jaws open, the latch automatically disengages. This self-service mechanism improves ease of operation while maintaining reliability through the inherent mechanical stability of the spring-loaded design
3Manufacturing precision
If a pre-loaded compression spring is used to provide bias force, then the positioning precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring (bias member) is nested within the latch unit structure, specifically positioned between the latch plate and the handle. This nested arrangement allows the spring to be pre-loaded and secured within the existing structural boundaries of the forceps, achieving precise positive positioning of the latch without requiring separate manufacturing processes or complex external assemblies
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 enables seamless and efficient locking and unlocking of forceps jaws, reducing the need for multiple manipulations and enhancing surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
a latch unit that includes a compression spring, which is pre-loaded so that the compression spring provides a force upon the movement unit when the movement unit and/or the latch unit are in a home position
Implementation Method 2
The bias member increases in a load relative to the pre-load when the latch unit is moved in the first direction away from the home position and the second direction away from the home position
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device comprising: a closure assembly including: (a) a latch unit comprising: (A) a hook latch, having a home position, (B) a forward bias constraint, (C) a rearward bias constraint, and (D) a bias member extending between the forward bias constraint and the rearward bias constraint so that the bias member has a pre-load when the hook latch is in the home position; (b) a movement unit including a bar that is movable relative to the latch unit so that the bar is movable in a prescribed motion into contact with the latch unit to create a locked state; and wherein the bar moves into contact with the hook latch driving the hook latch in a first direction, away relative to the home position, and then the hook latch is moved by the bar in a second direction relative to the home position, and a loading of the bias member is increased from the pre-load when the hook latch is moved in either the first direction away from the home position or the second direction away from the home position.