Surgical Clip Applier Locking Structure Prevents Vascular Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical clip appliers lack a clear indication when the last clip is discharged, leading to potential damage to vascular tissue if the device is operated continuously after the last clip is used.
Innovation Solution
A surgical clip applier with a locking structure that prevents the jaw from closing once the last clip is ejected, utilizing a wedge plate blocked by an elastic leaf to provide a tactile cue and prevent further operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the surgical clip applier is operated continuously without indication, then the operation process is simple, but the vascular tissue may be damaged when the last clip is run out
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic leaf is pre-positioned to block the wedge plate's path before the clips are exhausted. When the clips run out, the elastic leaf automatically engages with the wedge plate to prevent further jaw closing, providing advance protection against vascular tissue damage without requiring continuous monitoring by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic leaf acts as an intermediary component between the wedge plate and the jaw mechanism. It mediates the interaction by physically blocking the wedge plate's movement path, thereby preventing the jaw from closing when clips are exhausted, without directly involving the operator or complex control systems.
2Reliability
If a locking structure is added to prevent over-operation, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is self-activating and does not require external control. When the clips are exhausted, the elastic leaf automatically engages with the wedge plate to lock the mechanism, providing safety without requiring operator intervention or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic leaf is a simple, inexpensive component that performs the locking function through its elastic deformation. It is designed to be a consumable element that provides the safety function for the duration of the clip cartridge and then becomes part of the locked mechanism, avoiding the need for complex reusable locking systems.
3Reliability
If the elastic leaf blocks the wedge plate to prevent jaw closing, then the safety is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic leaf provides a tactile indication (analogous to visual color change) when it engages with the wedge plate. The operator can feel the engagement of the elastic leaf blocking the wedge plate, providing clear feedback that the clips are exhausted and the device is locked, maintaining ease of operation through intuitive feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement of the elastic leaf with the wedge plate creates a distinct mechanical sensation or click that the operator can feel. This tactile feedback mechanism provides clear indication of the locked state without requiring additional controls or complex interfaces, maintaining operational simplicity.
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 locking structure effectively prevents the misuse of the surgical clip applier by providing a tactile indication that the last clip is out, thereby protecting vascular tissue and ensuring safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic leaf (151) is located in the clip carrier (12) and extends toward a distal end of the outer tube (10) sequentially while the clip pusher (15) pushes the multiple clips (A)
Implementation Method 2
a wedge plate (13) is located beneath the clip carrier (12) and extends along the axle... the wedge plate (13) presents a reciprocating movement relative to the outer tube (10)... the two jaw units (141) are urged by the wedge plate (13)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A surgical clip applier with locking structure has an outer tube (10), wherein the outer tube (20) has a clip carrier (12) in which multiple clips (A) are held and a wedge plate (13) for clamping a jaw (14) which is formed at the distal end outer tube (20). After the clips (A) are exhausted, a clip pusher (15) placed in the clip carrier (12) drives an elastic leaf (515) to block a moving direction of the wedge plate (13) to form a locking structure for preventing the jaw (14) from being clamped. With the locking structure formed by the elastic leaf (515), the surgical clip applier can avoid the problem of damaging the blood vessel by the jaw (14) when the clip (A) is run out.