Endoscope Clip Unit Flat Base for Stable Ligation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ligation devices for endoscopes face issues with the clip unit's stability and reliability when releasing the connection between the clip unit and the manipulation wire, as they may apply unexpected forces, leading to changes in ligation conditions or damage to the clip unit.
Innovation Solution
A clip unit design featuring a clip body with a pair of arm parts and a fastening ring, where the connection base section has a flat part perpendicular to the fastening ring's axial direction, allowing the arm parts and connection tail section to operate independently, and a method of fabricating the clip unit by punching and bending a band-shaped plate material with fixing runners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connection base section has a rectangular cross-section with one side opened (Patent Document 1), then the engagement can be released by plastic deformation, but a torsional component is applied to the arm part deformation causing unstable ligation condition
Solution Approach 1:
The connection base section is divided into a flat part and a protruding part, creating distinct functional zones. The flat part provides a stable connection interface while the protruding part enables controlled deformation for engagement release, separating the ligation function from the release function to prevent torsional interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection base section uses an asymmetric cross-sectional shape with one flat side and one protruding side, rather than a symmetric rectangular shape. This asymmetry allows the flat part to resist torsional forces while the protruding part deforms plastically for release, resolving the contradiction between stable ligation and easy release.
2Ease of operation
If a large force is applied to release the engagement (Patent Document 2), then the hook can be deformed to disengage, but the clip body may be damaged or deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The release function is extracted from the entire clip body and concentrated in the protruding part of the connection base section. This localized design allows large forces to be applied only to the protruding part for hook deformation and release, while the main clip body structure remains intact and undamaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection base section has different structural properties in different locations: the flat part maintains high strength and rigidity to support the clip body, while the protruding part is designed to deform plastically under load to enable release. This local differentiation allows force concentration where needed without compromising overall structural integrity.
3Device complexity
If the arm parts and connection tail section are connected directly without a flat part interface, then the structure is simpler, but forces during release affect both sides causing unstable ligation
Solution Approach 1:
The connection base section is segmented into a flat part and a protruding part, creating a clear interface between the arm parts connection and the tail section connection. This segmentation allows forces applied during release to be localized to the protruding part while the flat part maintains stable connection, achieving reliability without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A clip unit includes: a clip body having a pair of arm parts; and a fastening ring arranged in the outside of the clip body and configured to maintain the arm parts in the closed state, in which the clip body includes a connection base section connecting the base end side of the pair of arm parts, and a connection tail section provided on the connection base section to extend opposite to the arm parts and connected to the front end of a transmission member, and the connection base section has a flat part perpendicular to the axial direction of the fastening ring, and the arm parts and the connection tail section are connected on a side of the flat part.