Clip Unit Connector Alignment for Single-Action Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clip units require two operations of pulling and pushing an operation wire to lock and indwell arms, leading to potential misalignment and difficulty in separating the clip unit from the actuator.
Innovation Solution
A treatment device with a tubular member and actuator that includes a connector and power transmission member, allowing the connector to be fixed to the treatment portion and regulated to prevent separation, enabling easy release of the connection between the actuator and clip unit by pulling the operation wire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operation wire is pulled and pushed twice to lock and indwell the arms, then the arms can be securely locked, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The arms are pre-configured with engagement protrusions and the pressing tube is pre-positioned with corresponding engagement recesses. When the operation wire is pulled, the arms automatically engage with the pressing tube at the correct position without requiring precise manual alignment, thus simplifying the operation while maintaining secure locking
Solution Approach 2:
The arms and pressing tube are designed with self-aligning engagement features where the protrusions and recesses automatically match when the arms are pulled to the correct position. This self-alignment mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual positioning operations while ensuring reliable locking
2Ease of operation
If the connector is allowed to displace in separating direction, then the connector can release from the treatment portion, but misalignment and stack formation occur
Solution Approach 1:
A guide structure acts as an intermediary between the connector and the treatment portion, allowing the connector to move axially for release while constraining it to remain aligned with the longitudinal axis of the tubular member. This guide structure prevents lateral displacement and stack formation during the release operation
3Manufacturing precision
If the connector is constrained to remain aligned, then misalignment is prevented, but the connector cannot release from the treatment portion
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the connector and treatment portion is segmented into two independent degrees of freedom: axial movement for release and radial positioning for alignment. The guide structure provides the radial constraint while allowing axial movement, separating these functions to resolve the contradiction
Data Source
AI summary
A treatment device includes an indwelling device including a treatment portion, and a tubular member including a proximal-end opening and in which a proximal-end portion of the treatment portion is disposed. The treatment device further includes an actuator including a connector releasably connected to a proximal-end portion of the treatment portion, and a power transmission member connected to the connector for moving the connector. The treatment portion can be fixed with respect to the tubular member when the power transmission member is retracted such that connector pulls the proximal-end portion of the treatment portion in a proximal direction to a predetermined position. The treatment device also includes a regulation portion for regulating a displacement of the connector in a direction separating from a longitudinal axis of the tubular member in the state in which the connector pulls the proximal-end portion towards the predetermined position.