Self-Actuating Grasper Handle for Fatigue-Free Jaw Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional graspers for removing prostatic implants or foreign bodies require constant manual pressure to maintain jaw closure, leading to user fatigue and often necessitate a second operator, prolonging procedures and increasing resource use.
Innovation Solution
A self-actuating grasper with a handle mechanism that includes a spring-biased actuation wire, allowing jaws to automatically close and open, reducing the need for continuous user input and minimizing hand fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional grasper with push-pull handle actuation is used to maintain jaw closure, then the foreign object can be securely grasped, but the user must apply constant forward pressure leading to hand fatigue and requiring a second operator
Solution Approach 1:
The grasper incorporates a self-actuating mechanism with a biasing element (spring) that automatically maintains jaw closure without requiring constant user pressure. The mechanism uses the pull action to open jaws and relies on the biased configuration to automatically close and hold them, enabling the device to serve itself in maintaining the grasping state.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation mechanism is inverted from the conventional design: instead of push action closing the jaws, a pull action on the actuator opens the jaws, while the biased configuration naturally closes them. This inversion allows the release of a latch or clutch to trigger automatic jaw closure, eliminating the need for continuous forward pressure.
2Reliability
If constant manual pressure is applied to maintain jaw closure, then the grasper can hold the foreign object, but the procedure time increases and additional personnel are required
Solution Approach 1:
The self-actuating mechanism with biasing element automatically maintains jaw closure and object holding capability without requiring continuous user input or a second operator, thereby reducing procedural time and increasing productivity while maintaining reliable object holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from continuous pressure application to periodic or on-demand actuation. The user only needs to periodically release the latch or clutch to trigger jaw closure, rather than maintaining constant pressure, which reduces operational complexity and improves efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If a self-actuating mechanism with bias is implemented, then single-operator retrieval is enabled and hand fatigue is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-actuating mechanism enables single-operator retrieval by making the device self-regulating. The added complexity of the biasing element and latch/clutch is offset by the elimination of the need for a second operator and constant manual pressure, improving ease of operation overall.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation wire serves as an intermediary that transmits the pull action from the actuator to the jaw mechanism, coordinating the opening and closing actions without requiring complex direct mechanical linkages. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall mechanical design while enabling self-actuation.
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
Enables single-operator retrieval of prostatic implants or foreign bodies with reduced fatigue, enhancing procedural efficiency and reducing the need for additional personnel.
Implementation Method 1
A self-actuating grasper with a handle mechanism that includes a spring-biased actuation wire, allowing jaws to automatically close and open
Data Source
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AI summary
An auto-locking grasping device and corresponding method of using the grasping device for retrieving a foreign object from a location in a patient's body. The grasping device has a handle with a self-actuating mechanism, an actuator on the handle coupled to an actuator wire, an elongated shaft member extending distally from the handle with the actuation wire coaxially disposed therein and opposing jaws at a distal end of the elongated shaft member that are coupled to the actuation wire and pivot between open and closed configurations. The self-actuating mechanism has a bias that imparts a closing force to the opposing jaws through the actuation wire. Actuation of the actuator is configured to impart an opening force to the opposing jaws through the actuation wire.