Endoscopic Clip Anchor Layout for Reliable Tissue Suturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing treatment tools, such as those described in Patent Document 1, are not optimal for suturing excised or defective portions of tissue during endoscopic procedures.

Innovation Solution

A clip unit with a clip having asymmetrical arms, each equipped with a first and second anchor, where the first anchor is positioned on the opening side of the claw in the opening and closing direction, allowing for efficient puncture and suturing of tissue, and a tubular member to store and lock the clip in a closed state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional treatment tool is used, then the tool can be inserted into the body, but it cannot effectively suture excised or defective portions of tissue

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuturing capabilityVSAvoidtissue ligation effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clip is divided into multiple functional segments: anchors for puncturing and grasping, claws for clamping, and a pressing tube for locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively, enabling reliable tissue ligation and suturing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clip arms are designed with asymmetrical features where the first anchor is positioned on the opening side of the claw in the opening and closing direction. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the puncturing and grasping actions, allowing the anchor to effectively engage with tissue before the claw closes, thereby improving suturing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If the first anchor is positioned on the closing side of the claw, then the structure is simpler, but the anchor cannot effectively puncture and suture tissue

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepuncture and suture effectivenessVSAvoidanchor positioning arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first anchor is deliberately positioned on the opening side of the claw rather than the closing side, creating an asymmetric arrangement. This positioning allows the anchor to perform puncturing and grasping actions before the claw closes, effectively enabling tissue suturing while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If the clip uses a simple locking mechanism, then the device is easier to manufacture, but it cannot securely lock the clip in a closed state for effective treatment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing tube is designed to automatically lock the clip in a closed state through a self-locking mechanism. When the clip arms close, the pressing tube engages with the clip structure to maintain the closed position, eliminating the need for complex external locking components while ensuring reliable retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking function is merged into the pressing tube structure itself, combining the housing function with the locking mechanism. This integration simplifies the overall device by eliminating separate locking components while maintaining reliable locking capability through the pressing tube's engagement with the clip.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4729000A1Clip unit
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYST CORP
  • EP4729000A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4729000A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4729000A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A clip unit includes a clip having a first arm and a second arm that are able to be opened and closed in an opening and closing direction, wherein the first arm has a first arm main body extending in a longitudinal direction along a longitudinal axis, a first claw that is provided at a distal end of the first arm main body and extends toward a closing side in the opening and closing direction, and a first anchor that is provided at the distal end of the first arm main body or the first claw and extends toward the closing side in the opening and closing direction, wherein at least a distal end of the first anchor is disposed on an opening side in the opening and closing direction with respect to the first claw, and wherein a gap is formed between the first claw and the first anchor in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the opening and closing direction.