Surgical Clip Jaw Projection for Secure Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical instruments struggle to securely position C-shaped ligating clips with longitudinal slots at a large spacing from the cartridge, as existing retaining projections are ineffective in maintaining the clip's position during application and closure.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating inwardly protruding projections on the clamping jaws that elastically enter the longitudinal slot of the ligating clip, preventing rearward movement and guiding the clip into a stable position, while allowing the clip to be advanced past the projection before it secures in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If retaining projections are used on the cartridge to fix ligating clips, then the clips can be secured in the advancing position, but this fixing mechanism becomes ineffective when the applying position is located at a large spacing from the cartridge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - the inwardly protruding projection on the clamping jaw - that acts as a mediator between the cartridge and the ligating clip. This projection extends into the longitudinal slot of the clip to provide positioning and guiding functions that bridge the gap created by the large spacing between the cartridge and applying position, resolving the contradiction by providing a new mechanical interface that doesn't rely on the original cartridge-retaining projection mechanism
2Illumination intensity
If the ligating clip is positioned at a large spacing from the cartridge, then visibility and access during application are improved, but secure positioning of the clip becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The inwardly protruding projection serves as an intermediary guiding and positioning element that maintains clip security despite the increased distance from the cartridge. By extending into the longitudinal slot, it provides continuous guidance and positioning feedback, ensuring the clip remains properly positioned even when spaced far from the cartridge for better surgical visibility and access
3Ease of operation
If retaining projections are provided on the cartridge, then ligating clips can be fixed in the advancing position, but no fixing is possible when the applying position is located at a large spacing from the cartridge
Solution Approach 1:
The projection on the clamping jaw acts as a mobile intermediary that moves with the clamping jaw to the applying position, maintaining the fixation function throughout the entire range of motion. This resolves the contradiction by decoupling the fixation mechanism from the cartridge and attaching it to the moving clamping jaw, allowing easy fixation regardless of distance from the cartridge
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
Ensures secure positioning and guidance of the ligating clip, preventing unintended movement and allowing closer placement of clips in the cartridge, enhancing operational efficiency and visibility during application.
Implementation Method 1
there is arranged on at least one of the guiding surfaces of the clamping jaws an inwardly protruding projection which, when the ligating clip is advanced along the guiding surfaces, elastically enters the longitudinal slot of the ligating clip
Data Source
AI summary
In a surgical instrument for applying C-shaped ligating clips having two juxtaposed legs which are joined to each other by a bridge portion and are each divided by a longitudinal slot into two juxtaposed portions joined to each other at the free end of the legs, the surgical instrument comprising two juxtaposed clamping jaws with guiding surfaces facing each other for the legs of a ligating clip that lie against the guiding surfaces when the ligating clip is inserted between the clamping jaws, in order to improve the positioning of the ligating clip between the clamping jaws, it is proposed that there be arranged on at least one of the guiding surfaces of the clamping jaws an inwardly protruding projection which, when the ligating clip is advanced along the guiding surfaces, elastically enters the longitudinal slot of the ligating clip.