Endo-therapy Cartridge Coupling Mechanism for Secure Clip Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endo-therapy systems with clip introduction devices face challenges in securely engaging and disengaging the clip unit with the introduction device, particularly in maintaining the clip in a closed state during tissue clipping and ensuring precise positioning within the cartridge.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates a cartridge with a coupling member and a treatment device accommodating portion that includes a coupling member accommodating portion and a treatment device main body accommodating portion, featuring a diameter reducing portion to maintain the clip unit's elastic arm portions in a closed state and a tapered surface to facilitate easy engagement and disengagement with the introduction device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the elastic arm portion is made expandable to allow engagement, then the connecting portion can be securely held, but the risk of unintended engagement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure engagementVSAvoidunintended engagement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge is designed with a preliminary blocking structure where the coupling member accommodating portion prevents the connecting portion from engaging with the engagement portion before the treatment device is properly positioned. This preliminary action blocks unintended engagement while allowing secure engagement when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling member acts as an intermediary element between the introduction device and the treatment device main body. It mediates the engagement process by providing a controlled interface that prevents direct engagement between the connecting portion and engagement portion unless the proper sequence is followed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the treatment device is detachably provided, then ease of replacement is improved, but coupling security may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereplacement easeVSAvoidcoupling security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment device is segmented into detachable components: the coupling member and the treatment device main body. This segmentation allows easy replacement while maintaining coupling security through the standardized engagement interface designed with precise geometric features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement and disengagement mechanism uses precise geometric interlocking features rather than complex mechanical fastening systems. The engagement portion and coupling member accommodating portion use shaped interfaces that provide secure coupling through simple insertion and removal actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If the cartridge structure is simplified, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but positioning precision of the treatment device may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge simplicityVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling member accommodating portion serves multiple functions: it positions the coupling member precisely, prevents unintended engagement, and guides the engagement process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate positioning features, simplifying the cartridge structure while maintaining positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This configuration ensures secure coupling and decoupling of the clip unit with the introduction device, maintaining the clip in a closed state during tissue clipping and allowing for precise positioning, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the endo-therapy procedure.

Implementation Method 1

an elastically deformable elastic arm portion 162k

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8480685B2Endo-therapy product system and cartridge including treatment device

Publication Date: 2013.07.09 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

An endo-therapy product system includes an introduction device led into a body cavity, a treatment device and a cartridge. The cartridge includes a treatment device accommodating portion in which the treatment device is accommodated. The treatment device accommodating portion includes a coupling member accommodating portion which accommodates a coupling member of the treatment device and a treatment device main body accommodating portion which accommodates a treatment device main body. The coupling member accommodating portion prevents a connecting portion of the introduction device from being engaged with an engagement portion at a proximal end of the coupling member. The treatment device main body accommodating portion is provided on a distal end side of the coupling member accommodating portion, has the treatment device main body arranged therein, and includes an engagement allowing portion which allows engagement when engaging the connecting portion of the introduction device with the engagement portion of the coupling member.