Bipolar Scissor Vessel Sealer Force Limiting Pivot Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bipolar scissor vessel sealers often suffer from breakage due to excessive force applied by users after the jaws have closed, highlighting a need for a mechanism to limit the applied force.
Innovation Solution
A force limiting mechanism is introduced, featuring a pivotally interconnected first and second shaft with a spring that provides a biasing force, allowing the shafts to pivot relative to the jaws beyond the closed position, preventing overapplication of force, and including a button and linkage for user feedback and additional mechanical actions like energization or cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the jaws are designed to close completely under user force, then the vessel sealing function is achieved, but excessive force continues to be applied causing device breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is designed with a pivot point that allows it to rotate relative to the jaw, transitioning from a rigid connection to a dynamic one. When the jaw reaches the closed position, the shaft can continue rotating about the pivot point, allowing the user to release excess force without damaging the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot point acts as an intermediary between the shaft and the jaw, allowing relative motion between these components. This intermediary mechanism enables the shaft to decouple from the jaw's motion, permitting force release while maintaining the sealing function.
2Ease of operation
If the shaft is rigidly connected to the jaw, then force transmission is efficient, but the device cannot limit applied force
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the shaft and jaw is changed from rigid to dynamic through the pivot point. This allows the shaft to rotate relative to the jaw when the closed position is reached, enabling the user to release excess force while maintaining efficient force transmission during the closing motion.
3Measurement precision
If the jaw closes completely, then the vessel is securely clamped, but the user cannot distinguish when closure is complete
Solution Approach 1:
A button is provided that is actuated when the shaft reaches a specific position relative to the jaw, providing tactile feedback to the user. This feedback mechanism allows the user to know when the jaw has reached the closed position, improving measurement precision and ease of operation.
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 mechanism effectively limits the force applied to the jaws, preventing breakage and allowing for secure closure and additional functions like tissue cutting or coagulation, enhancing user safety and device durability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring that provides a biasing force coupling the first shaft to the first jaw
Data Source
AI summary
A scissor style vessel sealer having a first shaft interconnected to a first jaw by a pivot plate that pivotally couples the first shaft to the first jaw by the pivot and also by a spring that is secured at one end to the first shaft and an opposing end to the pivot plate at a location offset from the pivot and a second shaft connected to a second jaw and pivotally coupled to the first jaw by the pivot. The first shaft and the second shaft are then pivotable from a jaws open position to a jaw closed position. Any further application of force results in the first shaft pivoting relative to the first jaw so that the additional force is not transmitted to the jaws. The first shaft pivoting relative to the first jaw may actuate a button associated with the second shaft.