Compliant mechanisms having inverted tool members
US11123145B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 18, 2017 |
| Grant date | Sep 21, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 18, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2034/305
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The embodiments described herein can be used in a variety of grasping, cutting, and manipulating operations. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a shaft, a tool member, and a flexure. The shaft has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, and defines a longitudinal axis. The distal end portion includes a ground portion. The tool member has an engagement portion and an actuation portion. The engagement portion is disposed distally from the actuation portion, and can exert an engagement force on a target structure. The actuation portion receives an actuation force. The flexure has a first end portion coupled to the ground portion of the shaft, and a second end portion coupled to the tool member. The flexure is configured to deform elastically when the actuation force is exerted on the actuation portion of the tool member such that the tool member rotates relative to the shaft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.