Laser-Cut Integrated Gripper for Simplified Tissue Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insertable tissue clamp devices have complex gripping structures that are difficult to manufacture and require precise assembly, leading to increased component count and assembly steps.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing method for an integrated gripper that reduces the number of components and assembly steps by using a tubular or sheet-like base material, cutting it through a laser to form gripping heads, shrinkage slits, and gripping arms, which are then bent to form a clamping jaw structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gripping structure is formed by assembling multiple parts (gripping arms, pin, sleeve), then the device can achieve opening and closing function, but the manufacturing process becomes troublesome and requires precise assembling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (gripping arms, pin, sleeve) into a single integrated gripping structure formed from one piece of base material. The laser cutting process creates the gripping arms and connecting structures in a unified design, eliminating the need for separate assembly operations while maintaining the opening and closing functionality through the integrated elastic deformation mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If multiple parts are assembled to form the gripping structure, then the opening and closing mechanism can be realized, but the assembling steps increase and precision requirements rise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple functional components into a single integrated structure. The base material is laser-cut to form gripping arms with connecting portions that are structurally unified, reducing the component count from multiple separate parts to one integrated piece while preserving the mechanical opening and closing mechanism through elastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
While integrating the overall structure, the design incorporates segmented features through laser-cutting grooves and separating grooves that create distinct functional zones within the unified structure. These segmented features allow the gripping arms to move independently while remaining part of the same component, reducing assembly complexity.
3Reliability
If traditional multi-part gripping structure is used, then the clamping function is achieved, but the structural process becomes complex and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the clamping structure into a single piece of base material that is processed through laser cutting. The gripping arms, connecting portions, and supporting structures are all formed from the same material without requiring separate components or assembly steps, thereby simplifying the structural process while maintaining reliable clamping function through the integrated elastic deformation design.
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
The integrated gripper design simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces assembly complexity, and lowers costs while maintaining the ability to open and close effectively, making it easier to grasp tissues during minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
forming a plurality of gripping heads facing each other by cutting the base material through a laser; forming a plurality of columns of first shrinkage slits distributed in a first direction of the base material by cutting the base material through the laser
Implementation Method 2
the first shrinkage slits all extending in a second direction of the base material; bending the gripping heads inwards to form a clamping jaw structure
Data Source
AI summary
A manufacturing method for an integrated gripper, and a integrated gripper manufactured by using the manufacturing method. In the method, a laser is used on a cylindrical substrate, and the integrated gripper provided with at least two gripping arms is cut out, each gripping arm being provided with a gripping head and first shrinkage slit distributed along the axial direction of the substrate. By means of the first shrinkage, bendable portions are provided with a deformation structure capable of bending in a closing direction of the gripper and/or an opening direction of the gripper.