Surgical Device Locking Component for Blade Deployment Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical forceps devices often deploy cutting blades unintentionally when jaw members are open, leading to accidental tissue cutting during surgery, and existing solutions require additional user input or complex mechanisms for blade deployment prevention.
Innovation Solution
A locking component with a compliant body and latch member that automatically prevents blade deployment when jaw members are open and allows deployment when closed, eliminating the need for additional user input and reducing assembly complexity by being a self-contained, single-component solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical interaction with a pivot pin is used to prevent blade deployment when jaws are open, then blade deployment safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the latch member and compliant body into a single integrated locking component that performs both the blocking function and the biasing function. This merging eliminates the need for separate pivot pins and additional user input mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining blade deployment safety through the automatic engagement and disengagement of the latch member with the jaw members.
2Reliability
If a sliding mechanism is used to lock and unlock the blade when jaws are closed, then blade deployment control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking component is designed to automatically lock and unlock the blade based on the jaw member position without requiring additional user input. The compliant body automatically biases the latch member into the blocking position when jaws are open and allows it to move out of the blocking position when jaws are closed, making the system self-regulating and reducing complexity.
3Reliability
If open-ended cantilever swing mechanisms or coil spring mechanisms are used, then blade deployment prevention is achieved, but manufacturing precision and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member and compliant body are merged into a single locking component that can be manufactured as one piece using additive manufacturing or other single-step processes. This eliminates the need for precise assembly of multiple separate components like cantilever mechanisms or coil springs, significantly improving ease of manufacture and assembly while maintaining reliable blade deployment prevention.
4Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for the locking mechanism, then functional reliability is improved, but assembly time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking component is designed as a single integrated piece combining the latch member and compliant body, which can be manufactured in one step and installed as a single component. This merging maintains functional reliability through the inherent mechanical interaction between the latch and jaw members while dramatically reducing assembly time and cost compared to multiple separate components.
5Reliability
If a compliant body disposed around the latch member is used, then biasing force reliability is improved, but component compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant body is merged with the latch member to form a single locking component where the compliant portion is integrated into the structure. This integration maintains the repeatable biasing force function while reducing the overall volume compared to a separate compliant body disposed around the latch member, as the compliant material becomes part of the latch structure itself.
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
The locking component ensures the blade is only deployed when jaw members are closed, reducing the risk of accidental cutting and simplifying assembly by eliminating the need for additional components, while providing a predictable and repeatable biasing force.
Implementation Method 1
a compliant body, connected to and disposed around the latch member, configured to bias the latch member to its first position
Data Source
AI summary
A locking component for a surgical device is disclosed, which is configured to prevent deployment of a blade when a first jaw member and a second jaw member of the surgical device are disposed in an open position and to permit deployment of the blade when the first and second jaw members are disposed in a closed position. The locking component includes a latch member, configured to prevent deployment of the blade by a mechanical interaction therewith when the latch member is in a first position. The locking component also includes a compliant body, connected to and disposed around the latch member, configured to bias the latch member to its first position. A surgical device incorporating the locking component and a method of operating the same is also disclosed.