Interchangeable Grip Handle for Surgical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of surgical instruments with multiple handle and grip configurations to accommodate various hand sizes and left/right hand use is not cost-effective and requires repositioning of functional features, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a handle assembly featuring a movable and fixed handle, where the fixed handle is adapted to couple with selectively removable grips, allowing for easy interchangeability and customization, and a movable handle that imparts movement to jaw members, integrated with an electrosurgical system for performing procedures like sealing, cutting, and coagulating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple molded or overmolded handle and hand grip assemblies are produced to accommodate various hand sizes and left/right hand use, then operator comfort and ergonomics are improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is divided into separate functional components: a base handle structure and interchangeable grip portions. This segmentation allows the grip portion to be changed without replacing the entire handle assembly, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining operator comfort for different hand sizes and preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
A single base handle assembly is designed to accommodate multiple grip configurations through interchangeable components. This universal design allows the same handle to serve multiple ergonomic functions, eliminating the need to produce separate handle assemblies for different hand sizes and handedness preferences.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple handle and grip configurations are produced, then adaptability to different users is improved, but production cost-effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the handle assembly into a reusable base and interchangeable grips, the manufacturing process can produce standardized base units in high volume (improving cost-effectiveness) while offering multiple grip variants (maintaining adaptability). This reduces tooling and setup costs compared to producing complete custom handle assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows the base handle assembly to be retained and reused across multiple grip configurations, while only the grip portions are changed. This recovering of the base component significantly reduces production costs compared to discarding and remanufacturing entire handle assemblies for different configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If functional features are repositioned to accommodate multiple handle configurations, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing efficiency and time consumption deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Functional features are integrated into the standardized base handle assembly in fixed positions that work with all grip configurations. This eliminates the need to reposition features when changing grips, as the base unit remains constant and is designed to accommodate all variations without modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The base handle assembly is designed with universal functional feature placement that accommodates all grip types and configurations. This universal design allows the same functional features to serve all users regardless of which grip is attached, eliminating repositioning time while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough, and supports an end effector having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly that includes a movable handle and a fixed handle. The fixed handle is adapted to couple to one or more selectively removable grips and the movable handle is configured to impart movement of one or more movable jaw members operably associated with the end effector.