Frangible Pivot Pin Assembly for Surgical Forceps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical forceps require efficient assembly methods that allow for cost-effective and reliable construction, particularly for single-use instruments that need to perform complex tissue treatments while ensuring mechanical and energy-based functions are effectively integrated.
Innovation Solution
The use of an assembly tool with a frangible connection mechanism that allows pivot pins to break off at specific stress thresholds, facilitating the assembly of surgical instruments by separating the pivot pins from the neck, enabling efficient assembly and potential reuse of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional assembly methods are used for surgical forceps, then assembly reliability is maintained, but assembly efficiency and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot pin is divided into two separate components: a main body portion that remains permanently engaged with the jaw members, and a frangible portion that is temporarily attached to the assembly tool. This segmentation allows the assembly tool to transfer the pivot pin to the jaw members and then easily detach by breaking the frangible portion, significantly improving assembly efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs.
2Ease of manufacture
If reusable instruments are used, then cost-effectiveness improves, but reliability and sterility maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical forceps are designed as disposable single-use instruments. The frangible connection mechanism ensures that each instrument can be assembled efficiently and then discarded after one use, eliminating the need for costly sterilization processes while maintaining reliability. The low cost of each disposable unit makes this economically viable.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex assembly procedures are used, then assembly precision is improved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible portion of the pivot pin is pre-attached to the assembly tool with a controlled weak connection. This preliminary preparation allows the pivot pin to be precisely transferred to the jaw members' pivot hole, and the frangible connection ensures accurate positioning during assembly. The pre-engineered break point guarantees precise separation without requiring complex alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible portion acts as an intermediary between the assembly tool and the main pivot pin body. It facilitates the transfer of the pivot pin to the jaw members and then cleanly separates, leaving the main pivot pin permanently secured in the jaw members. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the assembly process while maintaining high precision.
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
This method allows for the cost-effective assembly of surgical forceps, ensuring that each component is securely engaged while allowing for easy replacement and reuse, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
The frangible connection is configured to break upon application of stress thereto above a threshold, thereby separating the pivot pin (or portion thereof) from the neck
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly tool for facilitating assembly of a surgical instrument includes a handle, a neck extending from the handle, and a portion of or an entire pivot pin engaged with the neck via a frangible connection. The pivot pin is engagable with the surgical instrument. The frangible connection is configured to break upon application of stress thereto above a threshold, thereby separating the pivot pin (or portion thereof) from the neck. A method of assembling using such an assembly tool includes positioning a component of a surgical instrument for receipt of a pivot pin, manipulating the assembly tool to operably engage the pivot pin with the component, and manipulating the assembly tool to apply stress to the frangible connection to break-off the pivot pin (or portion thereof) from the assembly tool along the frangible connection.