Two-Stage Trigger Bypass Switch Single Stroke Clamp Cut
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical devices with two-stage triggers lack a mechanism for efficient clamping and cutting of tissue with a single, uninterrupted motion, requiring separate stages for clamping and cutting, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage trigger assembly with a bypass switch that allows for a single stroke clamp and cut operation, utilizing a toggle switch to raise the plunger and bypass the cam path, enabling the clinician to clamp and fire the end effector in a single motion by maintaining the floating pin in the bypass section, thus preventing the clamp plate from returning to its initial position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-stage trigger mechanism is used with separate clamping and cutting stages, then the device provides controlled sequential operation, but the surgical procedure becomes more time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass switch is positioned and configured to be activated during the clamping stage, preliminarily preparing the mechanism for the cutting stage. By pre-positioning the bypass switch in the bypass section, the system eliminates the need to return to the initial position before cutting, thus reducing procedural time while maintaining controlled operation
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass mechanism allows the trigger to maintain a continuous forward motion from clamping to cutting without requiring a return stroke. The floating pin remains in the bypass section, enabling the clamp plate to stay in its actuated position, thus creating an uninterrupted workflow that reduces procedural time while preserving operational control
2Productivity
If a single stroke clamp and cut operation is implemented, then procedural time is reduced and operational ease is enhanced, but the mechanism complexity increases with bypass switches and modified cam paths
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass switch serves multiple functions: it modifies the cam path for single-stroke operation, maintains the clamp plate in the actuated position, and enables both two-stage and single-stroke modes depending on its position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving improved productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The floating pin acts as an intermediary element that transfers motion from the trigger to the clamp plate while interacting with the bypass switch. By mediating between the trigger mechanism and the clamp plate, it enables the bypass function without requiring a complete redesign of the core mechanism, thus limiting complexity increase while achieving single-stroke operation
3Ease of operation
If the floating pin is maintained in the bypass section, then the clamp plate is prevented from returning to initial position enabling single motion operation, but the trigger mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cam path is segmented into distinct sections: the initial cam path for normal two-stage operation and the bypass section for single-stroke operation. The floating pin transitions between these segmented paths based on bypass switch position, allowing the mechanism to offer both operational modes without requiring complete redesign, thus limiting complexity increase while achieving ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly and an end effector. The handle assembly includes a trigger, a push plate coupled to the trigger, wherein actuation of the trigger rotates the push plate, a clamp plate operably coupled to the push plate, wherein actuation of the trigger to a first rotation rotates the clamp plate, and a firing plate operably coupled to the push plate, wherein actuation of the trigger between the first rotation and a second rotation rotates the firing plate. The end effector includes a jaw assembly which includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member, wherein rotation of the clamp plate transitions the jaw assembly between an open configuration and an approximated configuration by moving at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member relative to the other one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member.