Surgical Clip Applier Jaw Structure for Stable Clip Closure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current clip appliers lack sufficient stability and ease of actuation, often causing misalignment or loss of surgical clips during procedures due to insufficient contact points and inconsistent jaw closure forces.
Innovation Solution
The clip applier features stabilizing members on opposite lateral sides of the jaws to secure the surgical clip, with a camming mechanism using a tubular member and leaf springs to ensure stable jaw closure and actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If two points of contact are used to secure the surgical clip, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability of the surgical clip deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw members are segmented to include multiple contact points: distal contact points for engaging bosses on the clip legs, and proximal stabilizing members that contact the proximal portion of the clip. This segmentation allows the same jaw structure to provide both simple engagement and enhanced stability without adding overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Stabilizing members extend from the inner surfaces of the jaw members toward each other to contact the proximal portion of the surgical clip, adding a new dimensional aspect of contact. This creates a three-point contact system (two distal points plus proximal stabilizing contact) that prevents lateral movement and rotation, improving stability without significantly increasing structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If insufficient closing force is provided by the jaws, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of clip application deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Leaf springs are pre-loaded to exert a biasing force on the jaw members, preparing them for closure before actuation. The camming mechanism is designed with a cam surface that, when actuated, converts rotational motion into the preliminary closing force needed to securely apply the clip. This preliminary action ensures reliable closure without requiring excessive actuation force from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
A cam surface with a curved profile is used in the actuation mechanism. The cam surface converts rotational motion of the actuator into linear closing motion of the jaws, providing a progressive increase in closing force. The curved geometry allows smooth actuation while ensuring sufficient closing force is generated reliably, improving both ease of operation and closure reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the surgical clip is not securely stabilized, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the loss of time due to misalignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw members are designed with integrated stabilizing members as separate functional segments. These stabilizing members are molded or machined as distinct features on the jaw inner surfaces, allowing the clip to be securely positioned during application. This segmentation enables reliable clip positioning without adding complex assembly steps, maintaining ease of manufacture while preventing misalignment and reducing procedure time.
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
Enhances the stability and reliability of surgical clip application by reducing lateral movement and ensuring consistent jaw closure, improving the efficiency of clip application in surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The clip applier may include a leaf spring configured to bias the first jaw member into the open configuration
Implementation Method 2
a camming mechanism using a tubular member and leaf springs to ensure stable jaw closure and actuation
Data Source
AI summary
A clip applier may be configured to apply a surgical clip. The clip applier may include a first jaw member and a second jaw member, where the first jaw member is configured to pivot between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The clip applier may also include a first leaf spring configured to bias the first jaw member into the open configuration, and a tubular member configured to advance over the first jaw member to cam the first jaw member into a closed configuration against the bias of the first leaf spring. The clip applier may further include a second leaf spring configured to bias the second jaw member into the open configuration, and a tubular member configured to advance over the second jaw member to cam the second jaw member into a closed configuration against the bias of the second leaf spring.