Solenoid-Driven Bipolar Forceps for Small Cannula Endoscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing endoscopic forceps for use with smaller cannulas less than five millimeters poses challenges due to size constraints, requiring an end effector assembly that maintains integrity and functionality without compromise.
Innovation Solution
A bipolar forceps with a housing, handle assembly, and end effector assembly featuring movable jaw members driven by a solenoid and drive rod, capable of rotating to clamp tissue, connected to a source of electrosurgical energy, allowing for precise tissue manipulation and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If endoscopic forceps are designed for use with smaller cannulas (less than five millimeters), then the cannula size is reduced, but the design complexity and difficulty increase due to size constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector assembly is designed with nested components where the jaw members, drive rod, and other mechanical elements are arranged in a compact, space-efficient configuration that fits within the constrained dimensions of small cannulas while maintaining full functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The forceps incorporate a solenoid-driven dynamic mechanism that allows the jaw members to move between open and closed positions through electromagnetic actuation, enabling functional complexity to be achieved through controlled motion rather than static structural complexity
2Length of moving object
If the end effector assembly is made compact for small cannulas, then the cannula size is reduced, but the functionality and integrity of the forceps may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical cable-driven actuation system is replaced with a solenoid-based electromagnetic actuation system that directly drives the jaw members, eliminating the need for complex external cable routing and improving reliability within the compact form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector assembly is designed with multi-functional capability, integrating tissue grasping, sealing, and cutting functions within a single compact device that can be inserted through small cannulas, ensuring that reduced size does not compromise functional versatility
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 effective tissue grasping and sealing through precise mechanical and electrical control, accommodating smaller cannulas while maintaining the integrity and functionality of the end effector assembly.
Implementation Method 1
A solenoid is in operative communication with the movable handle and operatively couples to a drive rod that operatively couples to at least one of the first and second jaw members for causing movement thereof
Implementation Method 2
Electrosurgical forceps utilize both mechanical clamping action and electrical energy to effect hemostasis by heating the tissue and blood vessels to coagulate, cauterize, seal, cut, desiccate, and/or fulgurate tissue
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a bipolar forceps. The bipolar forceps includes a housing having a handle assembly including a movable handle and one or more shafts. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. A solenoid is in operative communication with the movable handle and operatively couples to a drive rod operatively coupled to at least one of the first and second jaw members for causing movement thereof. One or both of the first and second jaw members includes one or more teeth configured to engage one or more teeth located on the drive rod such that rotation of the solenoid imparts one of longitudinal and rotational movement of the drive rod such that at least one of the first and second jaw members moves between the open and closed positions.