Surgical Device Overload Mechanism for Jaw Force Limiting

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical devices face issues with excessive force transmission during tissue closure, leading to potential damage to tissue and device components, as existing technologies fail to effectively limit and manage the closing force of opposed jaws.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an overload mechanism that includes a biasing element and overload linkage, which couples between the trigger and the clip forming assembly, allowing the trigger to move to an actuated position without further closing the jaws when the closing force exceeds a predetermined threshold, thereby preventing excessive force from being applied to the jaws.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the former assembly transmits force to close the jaws, then the jaws can effectively grasp and apply closure mechanisms to tissue, but excessive forces can cause damage to tissue and device components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosing forceVSAvoidtissue damage and component damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The overload mechanism is pre-configured with a biasing element and overload linkage that will automatically engage when excessive force is detected. The trigger is designed with an overload member that includes a biasing element (spring) and overload linkage positioned to interrupt force transmission before damage occurs, preventing harmful effects before they can manifest

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The overload mechanism acts as an intermediary between the trigger and the clip forming assembly. When excessive force is applied, the overload linkage with its biasing element engages to interrupt force transmission, allowing the trigger to continue moving while preventing the excessive force from reaching the jaws and tissue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the trigger is coupled to the clip forming assembly to close the jaws, then the jaws can be actuated, but excessive force can damage the jaws, former assembly, or additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejaw actuationVSAvoidcomponent integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The overload mechanism is pre-configured with a biasing element and overload linkage that will automatically engage when excessive force is detected. The trigger is designed with an overload member that includes a biasing element (spring) and overload linkage positioned to interrupt force transmission before damage occurs, preventing harmful effects before they can manifest

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The overload mechanism acts as an intermediary between the trigger and the clip forming assembly. When excessive force is applied, the overload linkage with its biasing element engages to interrupt force transmission, allowing the trigger to continue moving while preventing the excessive force from reaching the jaws and tissue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution effectively prevents overload on the jaws and associated components, ensuring proper clip formation and tissue handling by transferring excessive force to the overload mechanism instead of the clip forming assembly, thus avoiding damage to the tissue and device.

Implementation Method 1

an overload member (252) including an overload linkage (258) and a biasing element (260)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a biasing element (260) initially compressed to a first compressed state (C1)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3441018B1Surgical device with overload mechanism

Publication Date: 2021.06.30 ETHICON INC

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

Surgical devices and methods for operating surgical devices during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical device is provided having a handle housing with an elongate shaft, an end effector on the distal end of the elongate shaft, a drive assembly, and a trigger coupled to the handle housing. Various overload mechanisms are provided for transferring a closing force from the trigger to the drive assembly unless the closing force exceeds a predetermined threshold force in which case the overload mechanism prevents transfer of the closing force to the drive assembly.