Clip Cartridge Loading Without Closed-State Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cartridge systems fail to load clips with self-expanding force into an introduction device without locking them in a closed state due to the clip being secured by the pressing tube.

Innovation Solution

A cartridge system with a regulating member that controls the minimum approaching distance between the clip and the pressing tube, allowing the clip to be loaded into a sheath while preventing it from being locked in a closed state, using a connection member to manage the clip's movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the clip with self-expanding force is loaded into the introduction device together with the pressing tube when the clip is in a closed state, then the clip can be accommodated in the introduction device, but the clip is locked in the closed state by the pressing tube and cannot be opened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading operationVSAvoidclip functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing tube is designed with a pressing portion that preliminarily contacts the clip during the loading process. When the connection member is pulled, the pressing portion automatically presses the clip arms against the regulating member, preventing the clip from being locked in the closed state by the pressing tube, while still allowing the clip to be loaded into the introduction device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If the pressing tube accommodates the clip tightly, then the clip is securely held, but the clip cannot be opened after loading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclip positioningVSAvoidclip state change

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A regulating member is introduced as an intermediary element between the clip and the pressing tube. The regulating member has a contact portion that prevents the clip arms from being locked in the closed state, while allowing the pressing tube to securely hold the clip in the open state for loading into the introduction device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the clip is allowed to open freely during loading, then the clip remains functional, but the clip may become detached or mispositioned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclip functionalityVSAvoidloading control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the spatial parameter by providing a regulating member that defines a specific distance between the pressing tube and the clip. This distance parameter allows the clip to open sufficiently for functionality while preventing excessive movement that could cause detachment or mispositioning during the loading process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260083458A1Cartridge system

Publication Date: 2026.03.26 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

A cartridge system includes a clip unit including a clip having a plurality of arms; a case including an accommodation region in which the clip unit is accommodated; and a spacer that is accommodated in the accommodation region, wherein the spacer is configured to be separated from the clip unit when the clip unit is pulled to a proximal-end side of the cartridge system.