Surgical instruments, systems, and methods incorporating ultrasonic and electrosurgical functionality

An end effector assembly of a surgical instrument, comprising:

• an ultrasonic blade adapted to receive ultrasonic energy to vibrate the ultrasonic blade;
• and
• a jaw member movable relative to the ultrasonic blade from a spaced-apart position to an approximated position for clamping tissue therebetween, the jaw member further movable from the approximated position to an over clamped position, the jaw member including:
• a structural body, the structural body including an upper surface defining an opening facing away from the ultrasonic blade, the structural body defining a cavity aligned with the opening;
• a jaw liner at least partially positioned in the cavity of the structural body, the jaw liner including a first surface facing away from the ultrasonic blade and a second surface configured to contact the ultrasonic blade when the jaw member is in the approximated position, such that as the jaw member is moved from the approximated position to the over clamped position, the jaw liner is forced vertically within the cavity;
• and
• an electrode adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy, the electrode including an upper portion facing away from the ultrasonic blade, the electrode positioned on the first surface of the jaw liner such that as the jaw liner is forced vertically within the cavity the upper portion of the electrode projects through the opening of the structural body.