Surgical Device Overload Mechanism for Tissue Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laparoscopic surgical devices face issues with excessive force transmission to close jaws, leading to tissue damage and potential actuation assembly damage, especially when encountering thicker or stiffer tissue.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device with an overload mechanism that includes a trigger and an actuation assembly, where the trigger applies a force to the overload mechanism, preventing further movement of the actuation assembly when a predetermined threshold force is exceeded, allowing the trigger to continue pivoting without closing the jaws further.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the actuation assembly transmits force to close the jaws on thicker or stiffer tissue, then the closure capability is improved, but excessive force can cause tissue damage and actuation assembly damage
Solution Approach 1:
The overload mechanism is pre-configured with a pin and carriage system that automatically activates when excessive force is detected. The biasing element pre-loads the carriage, creating a threshold that must be exceeded before the overload protection engages, preventing damage before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element (spring) acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs excess force through controlled compression of the carriage. This mechanical cushioning prevents sudden force transmission to the jaws and actuation assembly components, protecting them from damage while allowing normal operation
2Measurement precision
If the trigger is designed for precise coordinated movement to control jaw closure, then the control precision is improved, but the complexity of the actuation assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism is segmented into two distinct pivot axes: a first pivot axis for precise controlled movement during normal operation, and a second pivot axis that activates during overload conditions. This segmentation allows the same component to handle both precision control and overload protection functions
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger dynamically switches between two modes of operation based on the force applied. During normal operation, it pivots about the first axis for precise control. When excessive force is detected, the pin slides in the carriage and the trigger pivots about the second axis, allowing continued trigger movement without transmitting excessive force to the jaws
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
Prevents excessive force from being applied to the jaws, thereby reducing the risk of tissue damage and actuation assembly failure, ensuring safe and precise closure of the jaws even when encountering resistant tissue.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element that applies a proximal biasing force to the carriage
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices are provided for preventing surgical devices used in laparoscopic procedures including opposed jaws and an overload mechanism from overloading the opposed jaws of the device. In one embodiment a surgical device, includes a handle and an elongate shaft extending distally therefrom with opposed jaws coupled to a distal end thereof. The surgical device can include a trigger pivotally movable about a first pivot axis during a first range of motion from an open position toward a closed position, to cause the opposed jaws of the end effector to move from an open position to a partially closed position. The trigger can further be pivotally movable about a second pivot axis during a second range of motion from the partially closed position to the fully closed position, without causing corresponding movement of the opposed jaws from the open position to the closed position.