Laparoscopic Forceps Jaw Spreading for Blunt Dissection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forceps used in laparoscopic surgery lack a mechanism to effectively spread the jaws apart beyond their nominal position for blunt dissection and return to the nominal position upon release of force.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device with movable jaws that can be transitioned from a nominal position to a clamped position and a spread position using a clamp lever, featuring a stop member to maintain the nominal position when force is removed and a return bias member to return the jaws to the nominal position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the jaws are held in a spread position for blunt dissection, then the dissection capability is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases due to requiring both a stop member and return bias member
Solution Approach 1:
The stop member and return bias member are integrated into a unified jaw spreading mechanism. The stop member provides the spreading force while the return bias member simultaneously provides the return function, combining multiple functions into a coordinated system rather than separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp lever serves multiple functions: it can move the jaws to a clamped position, spread the jaws to a spread position for dissection, and work in conjunction with the return bias member to return the jaws to the nominal position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the jaws are spread apart with sufficient force for dissection, then the dissection effectiveness is improved, but the force requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The return bias member acts as a counterforce mechanism that stores energy during jaw spreading and releases it to return the jaws to the nominal position. This counterbalances the force required to spread the jaws, reducing the net force requirement from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from a static jaw position to a dynamic system where the jaws can be actively spread and automatically returned. The return bias member enables dynamic motion, allowing the jaws to move freely between positions without requiring continuous user force.
3Productivity
If the jaws automatically return to nominal position upon force release, then the operational efficiency is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The return bias member enables the jaws to self-return to the nominal position automatically upon release of spreading force. The mechanism serves itself by using the stored elastic energy in the return bias member to reset the jaws without requiring manual intervention or additional power sources.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the stop member deforms under external force to allow jaw spreading, then the jaw spreading capability is improved, but the stop member structural integrity is challenged
Solution Approach 1:
The stop member is designed with controlled deformability, allowing it to flex under external force to permit jaw spreading while maintaining overall structural integrity. The deformation is within elastic limits, enabling the stop member to return to its original shape after the force is removed.
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
Enables efficient blunt dissection by allowing the jaws to be spread apart with sufficient force and return to the nominal position, enhancing the versatility and functionality of laparoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an external force deforming the stop bias member so that a distance between the first jaw and the second jaw is larger in the jaw spread position than in the jaw nominal position
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device comprising: (a) a first jaw; (b) a second jaw opposing the first jaw, the first jaw, the second jaw, or both being movable relative to one another between a jaw nominal position and a jaw clamped position; (c) a clamp lever in communication with the first jaw and the second jaw, the clamp lever moving the first jaw, the second jaw, or both from the jaw nominal position to the jaw clamped position when an external force is imparted upon the clamp lever in a first direction; and (d) a stop bias member that stops movement of the clamp lever when the external force is removed so that the first jaw and the second jaw are in the jaw nominal position at rest; wherein the first jaw and the second jaw are movable from the jaw nominal position to a jaw spread position when the clamp lever is moved in a second direction that opposes the first direction by an external force deforming the stop bias member so that a distance between the first jaw and the second jaw is larger in the jaw spread position than in the jaw nominal position.