Segmented Laparoscopic Forceps with Enlarged Distal End
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional small-diameter forceps used in laparoscopic surgery often have insufficient strength due to their small size, limiting the type and size of tissue that can be gripped, and they require larger surgical wounds for insertion.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a tubular shaft with a larger diameter at the distal end for increased strength, a detachable handle system, and a joint portion with a smaller diameter, allowing the forceps to be inserted through a smaller port and expanded within the abdominal cavity, enabling gripping of various tissues without enlarging the surgical wound.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If small-diameter forceps are used to minimize surgical wound size, then the surgical wound size is reduced, but the strength and gripping capability of the forceps become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps are divided into multiple components: a small-diameter shaft for insertion through the port, a distal end portion with enlarged diameter for strength, and a detachable handle. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function - the shaft minimizes wound size while the distal end provides gripping strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping portion is nested within or coupled to the distal end of the tubular shaft, allowing the gripping mechanism to be housed within the forceps structure while benefiting from the enlarged distal end diameter for enhanced strength and tissue accommodation.
2Strength
If the distal end of the tubular shaft is enlarged to increase strength, then the gripping capability is improved, but the diameter for insertion through the port increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular shaft is segmented into a main body with small diameter for insertion and a distal end portion with enlarged diameter for strength. This allows the forceps to pass through the port in its smallest cross-section while providing adequate gripping strength at the working end.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal end portion of the tubular shaft has a locally enlarged diameter specifically where strength is needed for gripping, while the main body maintains a small diameter for port insertion. This localized quality change optimizes both insertion and gripping functions.
3Ease of operation
If the handle is made detachable to facilitate insertion, then the insertion process is simplified, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is segmented from the tubular shaft through a detachable connection mechanism. This allows the handle to be separated during insertion, simplifying the process, and then reattached at the distal end to provide leverage for gripping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A fixing portion or coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the handle and the tubular shaft, enabling detachable connection. This intermediary component facilitates easy attachment and detachment while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Data Source
AI summary
Forceps include a tubular shaft, an inserted member, a gripping portion, a handle, and a fixing portion. The inserted member is a rod-like member that is inserted inside the tubular shaft and is movable in an axial direction inside the tubular shaft. The gripping portion is provided at a distal end of the inserted member and is coupled to a distal end of the tubular shaft. The handle is coupled to a terminal end of the inserted member. The fixing portion detachably fixes the handle to the tubular shaft in a state where the handle is coupled to the inserted member. The distal end of the tubular shaft has a larger diameter than the diameter of a main body of the tubular shaft. A joint portion, having a smaller diameter than the diameter of the main body of the tubular shaft, is formed at the terminal end of the inserted member. The handle is provided with a joint receptacle that houses the joint portion and is advanced and retracted by manipulation of the handle.