Removable Actuator Assembly for Electrosurgical Forceps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bipolar forceps systems require either foot pedal or hand-switch operation, which can be cumbersome and obstructive, and lack flexibility in mode conversion without disconnecting the power cord, posing challenges in precision and efficiency during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A three-component actuator assembly with a switch body, actuator body, and lever arm that allows for one-hand operation, easy conversion between hand and foot pedal control, and adjustable lever arm positioning for ergonomic fit, enabling flexible and precise control of electrical current application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a foot pedal is used to control electrical current, then the surgeon can operate the forceps with both hands, but the surgeon must locate and actuate the pedal by feel, causing delays and compromising precision
Solution Approach 1:
A handswitch adapter is introduced as an intermediary device between the forceps and the power cord. The adapter includes a reed switch mounted on an extension that can be actuated by the surgeon's finger, serving as a mediator that transfers the control function from the foot pedal to the hand-held device, thereby eliminating the time loss associated with locating and actuating a distant pedal
2Ease of operation
If a handswitch adapter with reed switch is used, then the surgeon can actuate the switch with the same hand holding the forceps, but the extension lies in a plane between the forceps' tines making it awkward to hold the forceps steady
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into separate components: a base portion that connects to the power cord, an extension portion that carries the reed switch, and the forceps itself. This segmentation allows the extension to be positioned optimally for finger actuation while keeping the main body of the adapter simple and unobtrusive, reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If a unitary handswitch adapter is used, then the surgeon can use the same hand to manipulate forceps and actuate switch, but it is inconvenient to alternate between hand operation and foot-pedal operation or to use forceps without the adapter
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to be easily attached and detached from the power cord. The extension portion can be positioned in different configurations, and the adapter can be quickly removed when foot-pedal operation is needed or when the forceps are to be used without the adapter, providing versatility without permanent complexity
4Ease of operation
If a reed switch is used in the adapter, then the switch can be actuated by fingertip pressure, but the adapter is difficult to sterilize without damaging the fragile reed switch
Solution Approach 1:
The reed switch is extracted from the main body of the adapter and mounted on a separate extension portion. This extraction allows the main adapter body to be sterilized using standard autoclaving procedures, while the extension with the fragile reed switch can be handled separately or designed to withstand sterilization, thereby resolving the sterilization difficulty
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator assembly connects to a tool plug at a proximal end of a conventional bipolar electrosurgical forceps having electrodes at a distal end for applying electrical current to tissue. A switch body with an integral power cord includes a plug mount that accepts the tool plug and a switch for connecting the tool plug to an electrical generating apparatus when the switch is closed. An actuator body mounted to the switch body includes a pivotally mounted switch actuating member to which an actuator lever arm is adjustably mounted. The switch body and actuator body are configured so that when the tool is held in the user's hand with the plug mount secured to the tool plug, the actuator lever arm can be positioned for movement by a finger of the user's hand to move the switch actuating member and close the switch.