Clip Applying Mechanism With Locking Feedback for Safe Reloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clip applying mechanisms risk damaging the end effector when replacing clips due to the inability of the handle assembly to recognize already loaded clips, leading to improper conveyance and potential damage during reattachment.
Innovation Solution
A clip applying mechanism with a main-shaft connecting member and locking mechanism that locks with the housing upon clip conveyance, preventing further clip conveyance and ensuring safe reattachment by maintaining the main-shaft connecting member and housing position relative to the tube body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handle assembly continuously attempts to convey clips without recognition capability, then the operational simplicity is maintained, but the end effector may be damaged by accidental conveyance into a loaded end effector
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism provides feedback to the handle assembly by mechanically preventing further clip conveyance when a clip is already in the end effector. The main-shaft connecting member engages with the housing through the locking mechanism, creating a feedback loop that stops the conveyance action when needed, thus protecting the end effector while maintaining simple operation.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental conveyance, then the end effector safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the existing main-shaft connecting member and housing structure. The first locking member on the main-shaft connecting member engages with the second locking member on the housing, integrating the safety function into the existing mechanical components rather than adding completely separate locking systems, thus minimizing complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates automatically through the mechanical interaction between the main-shaft connecting member and housing. When the clip is conveyed into the end effector, the main-shaft connecting member moves axially to engage the locking members, creating a self-activating safety mechanism that does not require additional control systems or complex actuation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the main shaft and main-shaft connecting member are rigidly connected, then the axial movement precision is improved, but the circumferential rotation capability is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the main shaft and main-shaft connecting member is segmented into two independent functional aspects: axial connection through the locking mechanism for precise movement control, and circumferential independence allowing rotation. This segmentation enables each degree of freedom to be optimized separately without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system dynamically transitions between constrained and free states. The locking mechanism constrains axial movement when engaged for precise positioning, while allowing circumferential rotation to remain unrestricted for adaptability. This dynamic behavior enables the system to switch between precision and flexibility as needed during operation.
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 and a clip-pushing assembly; and further includes: a main-shaft connecting member, sleeved on the main shaft and connected with the main shaft; the main-shaft connecting member being configured to move in a same direction as the main shaft in an axial direction of the tube body; a housing, configured to accommodate the main shaft and the main-shaft connecting member; and a locking mechanism, arranged between the main-shaft connecting member and the housing; in a case that the clip is conveyed into the end effector, the main-shaft connecting member and the housing are locked with each other through the locking mechanism.