Surgical Clip Applier Cartridge Interface Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surgical clip appliers, particularly multi-fire models, are complex and expensive to manufacture due to their intricate designs and mechanisms for engaging and replacing clip cartridges.

Innovation Solution

A surgical clip applier design featuring a handle assembly, elongate body, and end effector with spring arms and a movable outer tube that securely engages and disengages a clip cartridge using inwardly directed protrusions and biasing members, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of the cartridge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a multi-fire clip applier includes a removable clip cartridge mechanism, then multiple clips can be placed without withdrawing the applier from the body cavity, but the device becomes complex and expensive to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of clips placed per procedureVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into distinct modular components: a handle assembly, an elongate body, an end effector, and a separate clip cartridge. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simpler processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while enabling multi-fire functionality through the replaceable cartridge system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The end effector is positioned within the elongate body, which is contained within the handle assembly. The clip cartridge is inserted into and nested within the end effector structure. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to be integrated in a compact configuration without requiring complex assembly mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If spring arms are made flexible to receive the clip cartridge, then the cartridge can be easily attached, but the arms may deflect outwardly causing unintended disengagement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of cartridge attachmentVSAvoidsecure engagement of cartridge

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring arms are designed with controlled flexibility, allowing them to dynamically deflect outward during cartridge insertion and then spring back to engage with the cartridge. This dynamic behavior enables easy attachment while maintaining secure engagement during use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring arms are pre-biased in a closed position and are deflected outward in advance of cartridge insertion. This preliminary deflection prepares the arms to receive the cartridge and then automatically return to the engaged position, ensuring both ease of attachment and reliable securing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the outer tube is advanced to encompass the end effector, then the clip cartridge is prevented from separating, but the spring arms cannot deflect to disengage the cartridge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of cartridge separationVSAvoidease of cartridge removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The outer tube is designed to be movable between advanced and retracted positions rather than being fixed. When advanced, it constrains the spring arms to prevent separation; when retracted, it allows the arms to deflect for easy removal. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between secure engagement and ease of disengagement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 design simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs by providing a secure yet easily removable clip cartridge mechanism, enhancing the usability and efficiency of surgical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

The spring arms are deflectable outwardly to receive the clip cartridge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The outer tube is movable from an advanced position encompassing the end effector to prevent separation of the clip cartridge from the end effector to a retracted position spaced proximally of the spring arms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11723669B2Clip applier with clip cartridge interface

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

A clip applier includes an end effector that is adapted to releasably engage a clip cartridge. The end effector includes spring arms that are deflectable outwardly to receive and retain the clip cartridge within the end effector. The clip applier includes an outer tube that is movable from an advanced position encompassing the end effector to prevent separation of the clip cartridge from the end effector, to a retracted position spaced proximally of the spring arms. In the retracted position, the spring arms can deflect outwardly from the clip cartridge to disengage the clip cartridge from the end effector.