Surgical Grasper Integrated Tension Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional manual deflectable/dexterous surgical graspers require separate tension elements to close the jaw members and change the angle or direction of grasping, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, as these elements are independent and do not affect each other.

Innovation Solution

A surgical grasper design that includes a first and second handle arm pivotally coupled, with a lock mechanism that locks relative movement between the handle arms, allowing rotational movement to generate correlated rotational movement of the jaw members, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms to open, close, and change the grasping angle or direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate tension elements are used to close jaw members and change grasping angle independently, then each function can be controlled separately, but the device complexity increases and operation becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent control of jaw closing and angle changeVSAvoidmultiple separate tension elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple tension elements into a single integrated tension element that controls both jaw closure and grasping angle. The tension element is routed through a series of pulleys and attachment points, allowing one element to simultaneously control the first jaw member's closing motion and the second jaw member's angular orientation, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining functional versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single tension element serves multiple functions: it closes the first jaw member, changes the grasping angle of the second jaw member, and can lock both functions in position. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate independent control mechanisms, reducing the number of components while preserving adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate tension elements are used to close jaw members and change grasping angle, then each function can be controlled separately, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to independent control requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent control of jaw closing and angle changeVSAvoidcontrol of multiple independent elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges control of multiple functions into a single tension element that the surgeon can manipulate with one hand. By routing the tension element through pulleys connected to both jaw members, the surgeon controls jaw closure and angle change simultaneously through a single pulling motion, significantly improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tension element system automatically coordinates jaw closure and angle adjustment without requiring separate control inputs. When the surgeon pulls the tension element, the pulley system automatically distributes the force to close the jaws and adjust the angle in the correct sequence, making the system self-regulating and easier to operate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a lock mechanism is added to lock handle arm movement, then grasping position stability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrasping position stabilityVSAvoidlock mechanism with ratchet arms and pusher element

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a ratchet mechanism that allows movement in one direction (jaw closure) while preventing reverse movement (jaw opening). The ratchet teeth engage to lock the jaw in the closed position, converting the potential harm of accidental jaw opening into a beneficial locking feature that maintains grasping stability without requiring complex active locking systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS10478207B2Surgical grasper

Publication Date: 2019.11.19 VANDERBILT UNIV

AI summary

A surgical grasper includes a first handle arm, a second handle arm pivotally coupled to the first handle arm, a tool body pivotally coupled to both the first handle arm and the second handle arm, a first jaw member pivotally coupled to the tool body, a second jaw member pivotally coupled to the tool body, a first tension element coupled to both the first handle arm and to the first jaw member, a second tension element coupled to both the second handle arm and to the second jaw member, and a lock that locks relative movement between the first and second handle arms. Rotational movement of the first and second handle arms generates correlated rotational movement of the first and second jaw members.