Cam-and-Spring Tissue Clip Mechanism for Multi-Angle Grasping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue clipping devices for procedures like endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) face difficulties in positioning and maneuvering the resected tissue flap due to the need for precise angular alignment, which can lead to procedural errors and frustration for medical professionals.
Innovation Solution
The development of a tissue clipping device with an opening mechanism that allows grasping from multiple angles, featuring a cam member and spring-activated clip arms, enabling flexible manipulation and secure tissue engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional tissue clipping device requires precise angular alignment for positioning, then the clipping precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in positioning and maneuvering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the opening mechanism adaptable to different angles. The mechanism allows the clip to be opened at any angle relative to the longitudinal axis, transforming a static, angle-constrained system into a dynamic, angle-flexible one. This resolves the contradiction by enabling precise clipping while eliminating the need for precise angular alignment during positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from fixed angular alignment to variable angular opening. The opening mechanism is designed to accept forces from multiple angles and convert them into effective opening motion, allowing the clip to be opened at any orientation. This parameter change maintains clipping precision while dramatically improving ease of positioning and maneuvering.
2Ease of operation
If the opening mechanism is designed to be grasped from multiple angles, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing an opening mechanism that serves multiple functions: it can be grasped from any angle, accommodate forces from multiple directions, and still produce reliable clip opening. The mechanism integrates these multiple capabilities into a single unified structure, avoiding the need for separate mechanisms for different opening angles. This resolves the contradiction by achieving multi-angle operability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs partial action by using a cam member that only needs to move a small distance to achieve the full opening effect. The cam's geometry is designed so that partial displacement in one direction produces the necessary opening force, rather than requiring complete or excessive movement. This reduces the complexity of the actuation mechanism while maintaining ease of operation from multiple angles.
3Reliability
If the cam member deflects spring members to open clip arms, then the reliability of tissue engagement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the spring members to automatically return to their original position after being deflected by the cam member. The springs are pre-loaded to provide consistent opening force, and the cam's geometry ensures that the springs self-reset without requiring additional actuation. This self-service mechanism improves the reliability of tissue engagement while minimizing the complexity of the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex multi-component actuation systems with a simpler cam-and-spring mechanism. Instead of using motors, sensors, or electronic control systems, the invention uses purely mechanical elements (cam member and spring members) to achieve reliable clip opening and closing. This mechanical substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining or improving the reliability of tissue engagement through passive, fail-safe mechanics.
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
Facilitates efficient and precise clipping of tissue from various angles, reducing procedural challenges and enhancing the ease of use during endoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The cam member may move into the spring space when the first and second members are moved to the opening configuration so that, as the cam member is moved into the spring space, the cam member may deflect the spring members away from one another to move the clip arms to the open configuration
Implementation Method 2
Each of the clip arms may include a spring portion configured to form a spring space between the spring portions
Implementation Method 3
The first and second members may include angled surfaces configured to move the first and second members in opposite directions away from each other in response to an application of a compressive force to the angled surfaces
Implementation Method 4
The cam member may include a wedge centrally positioned on the U-bend. The wedge may extend from the U-bend toward the first end between the legs of the cam member. The wedge may be configured to be received in the space between the spring portions such that movement of the wedge toward the second member may cause the wedge to deflect the spring portions away from one another
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to compression clips, and more specifically, to compression clips delivered to a target site through an endoscope for use in tissue resection, for example, within the gastrointestinal tract. In examples, clips are configured to be actuatable in response to a compressive force to transition between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In an embodiment, a tissue clipping device may include a first member with a plurality of arms. Each of the arms may extend from a first end to a second end, and the first end of each arm may be received within the first member. The arms may be movable between the open configuration and the closed configuration. A second member may be slidably disposed with respect to the first member.