Surgical Instrument Jaw Control Surfaces for Precise Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments lack an efficient mechanism for controlling the movement of jaws to effectively clamp and release patient tissue during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a movable jaw that features control surfaces for interfacing with a closure system, allowing the jaw to transition from an open position to a closed position to clamp tissue, and vice versa.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a surgical instrument uses a traditional jaw mechanism without dedicated control surfaces, then the device complexity is reduced, but the precision and reliability of jaw movement control during clamping and release operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing control surfaces at specific locations on the jaw where they are needed for interfacing with the closure system. These control surfaces are localized features on the jaw body that enable precise control without requiring the entire jaw structure to be complex. The control surfaces are strategically positioned to engage with corresponding elements in the closure system during jaw opening and closing operations.
2Reliability
If the surgical instrument includes separate control surfaces for closed and opened positions, then the reliability of jaw positioning is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the control surface requirements into two distinct sets: one set of control surfaces for the closed position and another set for the opened position. This segmentation allows each set to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall manufacturing process, as each set can be formed using standard machining operations rather than requiring complex multi-position tooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The control surfaces are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide positioning references for both closed and opened states, enable engagement with the closure system, and maintain consistent geometric relationships. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized features for each function, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the jaw includes control surfaces for interfacing with the closure system, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control surfaces are designed to enable the jaw to self-position and self-lock at the correct orientations during closure operations. The geometric features on the control surfaces automatically guide the jaw into the proper closed or opened position through mechanical engagement with the closure system, eliminating the need for complex external positioning mechanisms or manual adjustment procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw and a second jaw rotatable relative to the first jaw is disclosed. The surgical instrument further comprises a translatable closure driver configured to engage the second jaw and move the second jaw into a closed position. The second jaw comprises control surfaces which interface with the closure drive to control and/or limit the movement of the second jaw relative to the first jaw.