Forceps Trigger Rib Structure to Prevent Actuator Arm Splay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical devices, such as forceps, face challenges in reducing packaging space, simplifying design and manufacturing, enhancing 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 improve user experience, along with a rotational actuator for jaw rotation and a blade assembly for tissue manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a force-limiting mechanism is added to the actuation system, then the reliability is improved by preventing damage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force-limiting mechanism includes a spring-loaded cam follower that预先 (in advance) limits the maximum force transmitted to the blade assembly during actuation. The spring element provides compliant force limitation before damage can occur, cushioning the system against excessive forces while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If the actuation system is simplified, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the precision of tissue manipulation may be worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism automatically self-adjusts the force transmission during actuation, with the cam follower riding along the cam surface to provide progressive force application. This self-regulating mechanism achieves precise tissue manipulation without requiring complex external control systems, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while ensuring accurate blade deployment.
3Ease of operation
If a cam mechanism is used for blade actuation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is integrated into the existing actuation system, combining the blade deployment function with the jaw actuation mechanism. The cam follower is positioned on the moving jaw, and the cam surface is formed on the stationary jaw, merging multiple functions into a unified mechanical arrangement that improves operability without adding separate complex subsystems.
Data Source
AI summary
Forceps with improved actuation include a housing and a body that is longitudinally slidable relative to the housing. The body having a peripheral flange extending outward towards the housing. A trigger includes an actuation surface configured to receive a force input from a user. The trigger further including at least one arm configured to transfer the received force input to the body. To inhibit lateral splaying of the at least one arm when the trigger is actuated, the housing includes a first control surface, such as a rib proximate the arm.