Ergonomic Surgical Instrument Toggle Trigger Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscopic surgical instruments lack versatility in trigger actuation, often requiring surgeons to choose between two movable triggers and may cause hand fatigue due to limited ergonomic options.

Innovation Solution

A surgical instrument with a toggle mechanism allowing the surgeon to selectively lock and unlock triggers, enabling either the thumb or finger trigger to actuate the end-effector, providing ergonomic flexibility and reducing fatigue.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two movable triggers are provided in existing endoscopic surgical instruments, then the instrument can be actuated by different triggers, but the surgeon experiences hand fatigue due to limited ergonomic options and cannot selectively lock triggers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrigger actuation optionsVSAvoidhand fatigue

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical instrument implements a dynamic trigger system where the functionality of triggers can be switched during operation. The first and second triggers can be selectively locked or unlocked using toggle switches, allowing the surgeon to change which trigger is active. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the surgeon to switch between triggers to avoid hand fatigue while maintaining versatile actuation options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a toggle mechanism is added to allow selective locking of triggers, then ergonomic flexibility is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveergonomic flexibilityVSAvoidtoggle mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The toggle switches are integrated into the existing handle assembly structure, merging the locking mechanism with the trigger system. The first and second triggers share common mounting structures and linkage mechanisms with the toggle switches, reducing the need for separate independent components. This integration approach enhances ergonomic flexibility while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If triggers are made movable relative to the handle, then actuation flexibility is improved, but the structural stability of the handle assembly is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrigger movement capabilityVSAvoidhandle assembly stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger system implements a dynamic stability solution where triggers can be locked in specific positions using toggle switches. When a trigger is locked, it maintains a stable fixed position relative to the handle, providing structural stability. When unlocked, the trigger can move to allow actuation. This dynamic locking mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing both movement capability and structural stability at different operational states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2840980B1Toggling ergonomic surgical instrument

Publication Date: 2016.10.05 ETHICON ENDO SURGERY LLC

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AI summary

A ergonomic surgical instrument is provided having a first and second trigger. The instrument comprises a shroud and at least one toggle switch located on the shroud's lateral surface for selectively engaging the first or second trigger to actuate an end-effector. The toggle fixes the position of one trigger with respect to the shroud while permitting the other trigger to actuate the end-effector.