Forceps Drive Shaft Guide for Stable Jaw Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical devices, such as forceps, face challenges in reducing packaging space, simplifying design and manufacturing, improving user experience, increasing stability, and preventing damage during use.
Innovation Solution
The development of a medical device with a handpiece that includes an actuation system allowing for the control of end effectors, featuring a drive shaft motion transfer assembly with a force-limiting mechanism to prevent damage and enhance user experience, along with a blade assembly for tissue manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional forceps design is used, then the structure is simple, but the packaging space is large and user control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the blade assembly inside the drive shaft, with the blade shaft positioned within the drive shaft. The jaw assembly is nested within the housing, and the trigger mechanism is integrated within the handle. This nested configuration significantly reduces the overall packaging space while maintaining full functionality of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The forceps is divided into distinct functional segments: a handle assembly with independent trigger and lever controls, a drive shaft with cam mechanism, a jaw assembly with movable and stationary jaws, and a separate blade assembly. Each segment can be controlled independently, providing enhanced user control while allowing compact packaging of individual components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional forceps design is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the stability and damage prevention are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a cam mechanism within the drive shaft that is pre-configured with cam lobes and cam followers. This preliminary mechanical arrangement ensures stable force transmission from the trigger to the jaw assembly. The cam profile is designed in advance to provide controlled motion and force application, enhancing stability without requiring complex real-time control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The force-limiting mechanism uses a spring-loaded follower that automatically engages with the cam profile to limit the maximum force applied to the tissue. This self-regulating feature provides stability and prevents damage without requiring external control systems or complex manufacturing of active control components.
3Reliability
If a force-limiting mechanism is added, then the damage prevention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force-limiting mechanism is designed as a self-regulating system where a spring-loaded follower automatically engages with the cam profile. When the predetermined force is reached, the follower disengages from the cam lobe, naturally limiting the force without requiring external sensors, controllers, or power sources. This maintains reliability while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The force-limiting mechanism uses simple mechanical components including a spring, follower, and cam profile that can be manufactured as inexpensive, non-intelligent elements. These components provide reliable force limiting through pure mechanical means, avoiding the need for expensive sensors, motors, or electronic control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Surgical tool can include an outer shaft, a guide, an end effector, and a drive shaft. The outer shaft can extend along a longitudinal axis. The guide can be connected to the outer shaft. The end effector can include a first jaw connected to the outer shaft distal of the guide and a second jaw pivotably connected to the outer shaft distal of the guide. The drive shaft can be located within the outer shaft and can extend along the longitudinal axis. The drive shaft can be connected to the end effector and the drive shaft can be engageable with the guide to limit movement of the drive shaft with respect to the outer shaft in a direction not parallel with the guide. The drive shaft can be translatable along the outer shaft to operate the end effector.