Surgical Jaw Coupling for Precise Gap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manufacturing processes for bipolar electrosurgical instruments are time-consuming and labor-intensive due to the need for precise control of jaw gap and other mechanical and electrical parameters, making it challenging to achieve consistent and reliable surgical effects.
Innovation Solution
A surgical end effector design featuring pivotally coupled jaws with a connecting member that can be fixed within a slot to set a predetermined gap between tissue-contacting surfaces, allowing for adjustable and precise jaw alignment during manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional manufacturing processes are used to control jaw gap and mechanical parameters, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is divided into modular components including a body, jaw assembly, and cartridge assembly that can be manufactured separately and assembled. The jaw assembly includes an anvil and cutter that are positioned relative to each other through the cartridge mechanism, allowing independent manufacturing and precise assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
A cartridge assembly serves as an intermediary mechanism between the jaw assembly and the actuation system. The cartridge contains the cutter and provides a controlled interface for positioning the cutter relative to the anvil, enabling precise gap control without complex direct positioning mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional manufacturing processes are used to control jaw gap and mechanical parameters, then manufacturing precision is improved, but production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge assembly is pre-assembled with the cutter positioned at a predetermined location within the cartridge. This preliminary positioning allows for rapid assembly with the jaw assembly without requiring time-consuming post-assembly adjustments of the cutter-anvil gap.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge assembly is designed to self-position the cutter relative to the anvil through its inherent mechanical structure. The cartridge contains features that automatically establish the correct gap when engaged with the jaw assembly, eliminating the need for manual measurement and adjustment.
3Ease of manufacture
If adjustable connecting member is used to set predetermined gap, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member is merged with the cartridge assembly, combining the functions of connection, positioning, and gap control into a single integrated component. This reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining the ability to adjust and set the predetermined gap between jaw surfaces.
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical end effector is provided having upper and lower jaws pivotally coupled to one another by at least one connecting member that is configured to allow a gap between the jaws to be set at a desired height. In one embodiment, the connecting member can be pivotably coupled to the upper jaw and fixed within a slot in the lower jaw. The connecting member can be fixed within the slot in one of multiple positions so as to position first and second tissue contacting surfaces of the upper and lower jaws at a predetermined distance from one another when the first and second jaws are in the closed position. The connecting member can include a pin formed thereon that extends into a bore formed in the upper jaw. Alternatively, the upper jaw can include a pin formed thereon that extends into a bore formed in the connecting member.