Clip Applier Adapter Locking Structure for Fool-Proof Cartridge Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The connection structure between the clip-cartridge assembly and the adapter in surgical clip applicators is complex, making assembly and disassembly inconvenient, leading to low operation efficiency and potential errors.

Innovation Solution

The adapter features a lock mechanism that allows the clip-cartridge assembly to be easily plugged in and pulled out by pulling an operation member in the proximal direction, with a lock mechanism ensuring secure attachment after insertion, preventing erroneous mounting and enhancing safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a clip applier is designed to be multifunctional (capable of deploying both PCL and ACL grafts), then the versatility of the device is improved, but the device complexity increases and requires multiple adapters

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemultifunctionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different graft types (PCL and ACL) through a single standardized connection system. The adapter body includes a universal receptacle that can receive different types of grafts, allowing one adapter to serve multiple functions rather than requiring separate adapters for each graft type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter is divided into distinct functional segments: a reception portion for receiving the graft, a connection portion for connecting to the clip applier, and a delivery portion for delivering the graft. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and modularity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the adapter includes a reception portion, connection portion, and delivery portion as separate functional elements, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reception portion, connection portion, and delivery portion are merged into a single integrated adapter body. These functional elements are combined in one component rather than being separate parts, which simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the operational benefits of having distinct functional zones within the unified adapter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of repair

If the adapter is designed to be detachably connected to the clip applier, then the ease of repair and replacement is improved, but the reliability of the connection may be worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of repairVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the adapter and clip applier is designed to be dynamically changeable - allowing easy detachment when needed while maintaining a secure, reliable connection during use. The detachable connection mechanism incorporates features that ensure firm engagement during operation but allow controlled separation when required for repair or replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4215130B1Adapter for clip applier, and clip applier
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 SUZHOU YINGTUKANG MEDICAL TECH CO LTD
  • EP4215130B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4215130B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4215130B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A clip applier, comprising a clip compartment assembly (1) and an adapter (2). A locking structure is provided in the clip compartment assembly (1). The adapter (2) comprises an adapter housing and a locking mechanism, wherein an operating member on the adapter housing moves towards a proximal end under the action of an external force in the direction of the proximal end, such that the locking mechanism can allow the clip compartment assembly (1) of the clip applier to be inserted into and pulled out of the adapter housing; and when the external force in the direction of the proximal end disappears, the locking mechanism impels the operating member to move towards a distal end to the original position and can match with the locking structure on the clip compartment assembly (1) so as to lock the clip compartment assembly (1) in the adapter (2). The clip compartment assembly (1) is convenient to assemble and disassemble and has a fool-proofing effect.