Off-axis Jaw Connection for Disassemblable Surgical Instrument
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments are complex, difficult to dismantle, and hard to clean, making them unsuitable for repeated use and effective disinfection.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument design featuring a tubular shaft with a movable jaw element connected via a joint, where the connection point is positioned off-axis, allowing for easy disassembly and cleaning, with a tongue and recess mechanism that protects the connection point from contamination and facilitates power transmission with fewer components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the surgical instrument uses a complex design with many moving parts to achieve reliable tissue grasping, then the grasping force and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases and cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connection point and distal section of the movable jaw element into a single integrated component manufactured from one piece. This merging eliminates the need for separate connection elements, reducing the number of parts while maintaining the mechanical connection function between the second tube and jaw element, thereby simplifying the overall device structure without compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is divided into separable modules including the handle, tube shaft, and jaw section that can be disassembled from each other. The tube shaft itself is segmented into first and second tubes that can be separated. This modular segmentation enables thorough cleaning of internal channels and components while maintaining reliable tissue grasping through the articulated joint mechanism
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the surgical instrument is designed as a single-use disposable item to ensure hygiene, then cleaning and disinfection are simplified, but the loss of substance and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is designed with separable modules (handle, tube shaft, jaw section) that can be disassembled into individual components. This segmentation enables thorough cleaning and disinfection of each component, particularly allowing access to internal channels and the joint area, making the instrument suitable for repeated use while maintaining hygiene standards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables recovery and reuse of the surgical instrument through its disassemblable design. Instead of discarding the entire instrument after single use, the components can be cleaned, disinfected, and reused multiple times, reducing waste and environmental impact while maintaining patient safety through proper sterilization protocols
3Ease of manufacture
If the connection point is positioned on the longitudinal axis for symmetric design, then manufacturing is simplified, but the leverage and closing force are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection point is deliberately positioned off the longitudinal axis, creating an asymmetric design. This asymmetric positioning of the connection point between the second tube and movable jaw element creates a longer moment arm about the joint pivot, increasing the leverage and closing force generated by axial movement of the second tube, while the manufacturing process remains feasible through integral formation
4Ease of operation
If the joint is highly exposed to allow easy access for assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second tube is designed to cover and protect the connection point and joint area when assembled, creating a nested configuration where the movable tube shields the connection interface. This nesting arrangement protects the joint from contamination during use while allowing easy access during assembly and disassembly operations
Data Source
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AI summary
In a surgical instrument comprising a handle with at least one actuating element, a tube shaft connected to the handle with a first tube (7) and a second tube (8) movable along the longitudinal axis of the tube shaft relative to the first tube by actuating the actuating element, and first and second jaw elements (10, 11) at the distal end of the tube shaft, wherein the first jaw element is fixedly connected to the tube shaft and the second jaw element is movably connected to the tube shaft via a joint (12), wherein the second tube is connected to the movable jaw element (11) via a connection point (15b) such that the movable jaw element can be pivoted about the joint by actuating the actuating element, it is proposed thatthat the connection point and the movable jaw element are arranged on one side and the joint on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis, wherein the connection point is formed by a projection (16) on the outside of the movable jaw element which can be engaged in a recess (14a) at the distal end of the second tube, and the movable tube has an axially extending tongue (14) at its distal end and the recess is arranged in the tongue.