Laparoscopic Clip Applier Jaw Opening Adjustment for Multiple Clip Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laparoscopic clipping machines are limited by fixed jaw opening angles, requiring multiple machines for different clip sizes, prolonging surgical procedures and increasing costs due to the need for manual or automatic machines.
Innovation Solution
A laparoscopic clipping machine with a mechanism that adjusts the jaws' output opening to at least two positions, allowing adaptation to different clip sizes without changing the machine type, using a movable shutter element to limit pusher movement and achieve varying angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed jaw opening angle is used in the clipping machine, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the device can only accommodate one type of clip size, requiring multiple machines for different surgical needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the shutter element can be moved between different positions to change the jaw opening angle. The pusher element's movement is controlled by the shutter's position, allowing the system to adapt between fixed and variable configurations. This enables a single machine to handle multiple clip sizes by dynamically adjusting the jaw opening to match the required clip dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the jaw opening angle by introducing a shutter element that can be positioned at different locations. By altering the position parameter of the shutter, the effective opening angle between jaws is modified, allowing accommodation of different clip sizes. This parameter change approach enables versatility without requiring completely different machine designs for each clip type.
2Productivity
If multiple clipping machines are used for different clip sizes, then each machine is optimized for its specific clip type, but the surgical procedure time increases due to the need to change machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal clipping machine that can perform multiple functions by accommodating different clip sizes through the adjustable shutter mechanism. The single machine design with variable jaw opening angles replaces the need for multiple specialized machines, allowing surgeons to switch between different clip types quickly by adjusting the shutter position rather than changing entire machines during procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism allows the jaw opening angle to be pre-adjusted to match the specific clip size needed for the surgical procedure. By setting the appropriate shutter position before applying clips, the system is prepared in advance for the required operation, eliminating time-consuming machine changes during the surgical process and improving overall procedure efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the jaw opening angle is fixed, then the manufacturing and operation are simple, but the device cannot be adjusted to different output angles for different clip sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter element serves as an intermediary component between the pusher mechanism and the jaws. By positioning the shutter at different locations within the pusher's path, it mediates the relationship between the pusher's linear movement and the jaws' opening angle. This intermediary approach allows relatively simple operation - moving the shutter to different predetermined positions - to achieve the desired adaptability for different clip sizes without requiring complex control systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
The subject of the invention is laparoscopic clipping machine for application of clips on tissue structures, enclosed in a housing, comprising a pair of the movable jaws mounted on the stem, whose operational movement for clamping the clips is indirectly triggered by a movement of the handle, at least one spring, mechanism directly triggering the operational movement of the jaws comprising at least one pusher movably arranged in the axis of the stem supported in the axis of the stem on the spring characterised in that it is provided with an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the jaws output opening to at least two different positions of the jaws output opening adapted to at least two sizes of the clips, resulting in a different output angle between the jaws, wherein adjustment mechanism comprises a movable shutter element having at least two parts, the narrower part of the shutter element and the wider part of the shutter element, and the shutter element is movably guided through the through opening laterally formed in the pusher, which is larger than the wider part of the shutter element, so that the shutter element, when seated in the through opening of the pusher, partially covers the through opening light of the pusher, thus limiting the movement of the pusher when determining the output angle, in such a way, that after passing through the pusher through opening of the narrower part of the shutter element a partially limited longitudinal movement of the pusher is obtained, resulting in the first output angle, and after passing the wider part of the shutter element and its location in the pusher through opening light, a significantly limited longitudinal movement of the pusher is obtained, resulting in a second output angle.