Push Mechanism Actuator Rod for Biopsy Forceps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical biopsy instruments with pull mechanisms are inefficient due to bulky scissor links that waste energy and have limitations that hinder surgeons, such as energy wastage and difficulty in steering, especially when used for organs like hearts and lungs.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional actuator rod and disposable plastic scissor-type handle that pushes the driver cable instead of pulling it, featuring a spring mechanism to regulate force, prevent rotation, reduce travel ratio, and protect the cable from kinking, while allowing for precise steering and blood flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a pull mechanism is used in biopsy instruments, then the mechanism can transmit force to the driver cable, but the mechanism becomes bulky and wastes energy due to scissor links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bulky scissor link mechanism from the force transmission system and replaces it with a direct push mechanism where the actuator rod directly pushes the driver cable through the shaft, eliminating unnecessary intermediate components that waste energy and increase device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a pull mechanism where the cable is pulled through the shaft, the patent inverts the approach by using a push mechanism where the actuator rod directly pushes the cable forward, fundamentally changing the force transmission direction and eliminating the need for complex pull-based scissor links
2Ease of operation
If a pull mechanism is used in biopsy instruments, then the mechanism can activate the cutting tool, but the steering ability is limited and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the actuation system into independent components: the actuator rod for force application, the driver cable for force transmission, and the cutting tool for tissue engagement. This segmentation allows independent control and improvement of steering ability without being constrained by a coupled pull mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities by allowing the actuator rod to move independently within the handle assembly, enabling real-time adjustment of force application and cable tension to optimize steering control during the biopsy procedure
3Productivity
If a disposable plastic handle with push mechanism is used, then energy wastage is reduced and steering is improved, but the mechanism must control force, prevent rotation, and protect the cable simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator rod is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs force application, rotation prevention, and cable protection functions within a single integrated structure, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple control functions (force regulation, rotation prevention, cable protection) into the actuator rod and handle assembly, combining what would traditionally require separate mechanisms into a unified disposable plastic handle system
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 solution enables a simple, safe, and reliable forward pushing mechanism for biopsy forceps, effectively addressing the limitations of pull mechanisms by providing controlled force, reduced energy wastage, and improved steering ability, suitable for delicate organs like hearts and lungs.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism to regulate force, prevent rotation, reduce travel ratio
Data Source
AI summary
A plastic disposable scissor-action biopsy or grasping tool handle has a standard adapter tube attached to a front arm of the handle. An actuator rod attaches to the handle with the standard biopsy tool driver cable attached to the actuator rod. An actuator rod front tubular portion is slidable within the front handle arm. The actuator rod back portion has an elongated horizontal slot therethrough with a stop pin through the slot attached to a pair of mating stop pin holes within an actuator rod receiving recess in the back arm of the handle. A spring interacts between an actuator rod spring stop and the rear handle arm to regulate bite pressure of the biopsy cutting tool. The back handle arm pushes the driver cable to operate the biopsy cutting tool.