Surgical Clip Applicator Mouthpiece Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical clip applicators face issues with high manufacturing costs and inadequate closure forces for double-shank or multiple clips, leading to jamming and premature wear, requiring frequent repairs and sterilization.
Innovation Solution
A surgical clip applicator with a reusable handle and closing device made of steel, paired with a cost-effective plastic mouthpiece designed for specific mechanical demands, capable of securely closing single-leg and double-shank clips, featuring a fork-shaped design with pivot-bearing elements and protuberances for efficient force transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the mouthpiece is made of steel like the handle portion, then the closing forces can be sufficiently transmitted for double-shank or multiple clips, but the manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into two distinct parts: a reusable steel handle portion and a disposable plastic mouthpiece. This segmentation allows the expensive steel components to be reused while the cheaper plastic mouthpiece is discarded after single use, resolving the contradiction between strength and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials are assigned to different parts of the applicator based on their specific functional requirements. The steel handle portion provides structural strength and force transmission, while the plastic mouthpiece provides cost-effectiveness for single-use applications. This local differentiation of material quality resolves the contradiction.
2Ease of manufacture
If the complete applicator is made disposable to reduce sterilization requirements, then manufacturing costs decrease, but the closing forces for double-shank or multiple clips cannot be sufficiently transmitted
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is segmented into reusable steel components (handle portion) and disposable plastic components (mouthpiece). This allows the system to achieve cost-effectiveness through partial disposability while maintaining sufficient strength in the reusable steel portions for transmitting closing forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a composite structure combining steel and plastic materials, each with their own advantages. The steel handle provides strength and reusability, while the plastic mouthpiece provides cost-effectiveness and single-use convenience, together resolving the contradiction between manufacturing cost and closing force transmission.
3Ease of manufacture
If plastic material is used for the mouthpiece to reduce costs, then manufacturing costs decrease, but the closing forces for double-shank or multiple clips cannot be sufficiently transmitted
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthpiece is separated from the handle portion, allowing the plastic mouthpiece to be optimized for cost-effectiveness while the steel handle portion is optimized for strength and force transmission. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between using plastic for cost reasons and needing sufficient closing force transmission.
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 solution enables secure closure of clips with reduced manufacturing costs, minimized material usage, and simplified design, allowing for efficient and cost-effective production while maintaining the durability of reusable steel components.
Implementation Method 1
the bearing elements form a pivot bearing for the tool jaws
Implementation Method 2
The protuberances of the mouthpiece arms are then configured as guides with which the distal end of the slide engages and, when displaced into the second position, transfers the tool jaws to their closed position.
Data Source
AI summary
To economically manufacture a surgical clip applicator for U-shaped or V-shaped clips, which allows secure closure of the clips when applied to tissue structures, in particular, also in the case of double-shank or multiple clips, it is proposed that the applicator comprise a handle portion, a shaft adjoining the handle portion, a clip applying tool arranged at the free end of the shaft, and a clip magazine, the applying tool comprising a mouthpiece with tool jaws for holding a clip during the application and a closing device for transferring the tool jaws from an open, idle position to a closed position, and the mouthpiece being made of a plastic material and being held separately from the closing device on the clip applicator.