Clip Applying Mechanism With Locking to Protect the End Effector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clip applying mechanisms risk damaging the end effector when replacing clips due to the handle assembly failing to recognize already fired clips, leading to improper conveyance and potential damage during reassembly.
Innovation Solution
A clip applying mechanism with a main-shaft connecting member and locking mechanism that locks the main-shaft connecting member and housing together when a clip is conveyed into the end effector, preventing further clip conveyance and ensuring safe reassembly by maintaining the position of the main shaft and connecting member relative to the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the handle assembly does not recognize already fired clips, then clip replacement is possible, but the end effector may be damaged during improper conveyance
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is activated in advance when a clip is conveyed into the end effector, preventing subsequent improper conveyance actions before damage can occur. The main-shaft connecting member and housing are locked together preliminarily to establish a safe state for clip replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanism acts as an intermediary between the main-shaft connecting member and the housing, mediating their relative movement and establishing a locked state that prevents harmful conveyance while allowing safe clip replacement operations.
2Ease of operation
If the main shaft and connecting member are not locked, then the mechanism has flexibility for operation, but the position may shift during reassembly causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a dynamic state (where the main shaft and connecting member can move relative to each other during normal operation) to a locked state (where their positions are fixed relative to the housing during reassembly), allowing both flexibility and stability at different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism applies a counter-action to prevent unwanted movement of the main shaft and connecting member during reassembly, countering the potential harmful effect of position shifts before they can cause damage to the end effector.
Data Source
AI summary
A clip applying mechanism and a clip applying apparatus thereof are provided. The clip applying mechanism includes a tube body, a main shaft, a clip-cartridge assembly, a clip-pushing assembly and a firing assembly; and further includes: a main-shaft connecting member, connected with the main shaft; a firing connecting member, connected with the firing assembly; an engagement mechanism, arranged between the main-shaft connecting member and the firing connecting member. The engagement mechanism, the firing connecting member, the main-shaft connecting member and the firing assembly are configured such that: in a case where the clip is fired, the main-shaft connecting member drives the firing connecting member to move in a direction facing away from the head end of the tube body through the engagement mechanism, and the firing connecting member drives the firing assembly to move in a same direction, so that the end effector is partially opened.