Tapered Jaw Tip Support for Robotic Electrosurgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturing jaw members for electrosurgical forceps with consistent strength and stiffness profiles to absorb closure pressures, especially at the tapered distal tip, presents design challenges in robotic surgical systems.
Innovation Solution
A jaw member design featuring a U-shaped structural frame with an insulative spacer and a tapered fin that supports a tissue treating plate, electrically isolates the frame, and includes an outer insulative jacket, made from materials like PPA, PTFE, PEEK, or PEI, to ensure consistent pressure distribution and tissue sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tapered jaw design is used to facilitate dissection and access to smaller operating cavities, then adaptability to smaller cavities is improved, but manufacturing consistency of strength and stiffness profiles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw member is segmented into multiple functional zones along its length: a proximal section with uniform cross-section for structural strength, and a distal tapered section for access to small cavities. The insulative spacer is also segmented with a tapered fin portion that provides localized support only where needed at the distal end, allowing each segment to optimize its function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulative spacer features a tapered fin with varying thickness - thicker at the proximal end and thinner at the distal end - providing localized structural support where the tissue treating plate requires it most, while maintaining the tapered geometry needed for access to small cavities. This local variation in quality allows the jaw to have both strength where needed and taper where required for adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distal tip of the jaw member is tapered to access smaller cavities, then adaptability is improved, but structural strength at the tapered section deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The insulative spacer acts as an intermediary structural element between the tapered jaw member and the tissue treating plate. Its tapered fin portion provides mechanical support and load distribution to the distal tapered section, reinforcing it without compromising the tapered geometry needed for access to small cavities. The insulative material properties also allow it to withstand the mechanical loads while maintaining electrical isolation.
3Reliability
If closure pressures are increased to improve tissue sealing, then tissue sealing effectiveness is improved, but risk of pressure inconsistencies along the jaw members increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulative spacer with its tapered fin is positioned beforehand to provide cushioning and load distribution support to the tissue treating plate and jaw member interface. This pre-positioned structural support ensures that closure pressures are distributed evenly along the tissue sealing interface, preventing pressure concentrations or inconsistencies that could compromise sealing reliability.
4Ease of manufacture
If the jaw member structure is simplified for easier manufacture, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ability to maintain consistent strength and stiffness profiles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The insulative spacer combines multiple functions into a single component: electrical insulation between the jaw member and tissue treating plate, mechanical support for the distal tapered section, and load distribution for even pressure application. This merging of functions into one integrally formed piece simplifies the overall structure and manufacture while maintaining the complex strength and stiffness profiles needed for consistent performance.
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 design enhances the consistency of tissue sealing and reduces the risk of inconsistencies in pressure along the jaw members, improving the effectiveness of tissue treatment and cutting processes in robotic surgical systems.
Implementation Method 1
the insulative spacer is configured to electrically isolate the structural frame from the tissue treating plate
Data Source
AI summary
A jaw member of an electrosurgical instrument includes a U-shaped structural frame defining a cavity therein and extending therealong configured to receive at least a portion of an insulative spacer therein such that the insulative spacer extends distally therefrom. The insulative spacer includes a tapered fin at a distal end thereof. A tissue treating plate is disposed on the face of the insulative spacer, the tissue treating plate is adapted to connect to a source of energy to treat tissue therewith. The tapered fin is configured to extend to and support a distal end of the tissue treating plate.