Clip Cartridge Assembly for Gap-Free Applicator Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cartridge systems for loading clip units into applicators often result in gaps forming between the clip unit and the applicator, leading to unreliable loading.

Innovation Solution

A cartridge system comprising a first and second cartridge, with the second cartridge being movable relative to the first, and a regulation member to ensure secure engagement and prevent gaps, facilitating reliable loading of clip units into the applicator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the applicator is inserted into the cartridge without proper alignment, then the loading process is simple and quick, but a gap forms between the clip unit and the applicator leading to unreliable loading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading reliabilityVSAvoidalignment precision requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a regulation member as an intermediary component between the applicator and the clip unit. This regulation member includes a regulation portion that contacts the applicator and a clip unit contact portion that contacts the clip unit, mediating the interaction to ensure proper positioning and eliminate gaps during the loading process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The regulation member is pre-positioned within the cartridge at a specific location before the applicator is inserted. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the applicator is loaded, the regulation member is already in place to guide and constrain the applicator's position, preventing gap formation without requiring precise manual alignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a fixed single-cartridge design is used, then the device structure is simple, but the applicator cannot be reliably positioned without forming gaps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclip unit positioning accuracyVSAvoidcartridge structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge is divided into two separate cartridges: a first cartridge that receives the applicator and a second cartridge that stores the clip unit. The regulation member spans between these two cartridges, allowing each cartridge to be simpler in structure while collectively achieving reliable positioning through their coordinated arrangement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-cartridge design to a two-cartridge configuration, adding a spatial dimension to the system. This dimensional change allows the regulation member to extend between the cartridges and provide positioning control in a way that would be difficult to achieve within a single cartridge structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12582406B2Cartridge and cartridge system

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

A cartridge configured to store a clip unit is disclosed herein. The first cartridge includes a sheath connection portion configured to receive a sheath of an applicator. The second cartridge included a storage area configured to store at least a part of the clip unit. The second cartridge is movable relative to the first cartridge in a moving direction of the clip unit.