Endoscopic Clip Instrument Stopper Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic clipping instruments require significant force to open the fastening ring, which can lead to unintended detachment of the clip from the sleeve, resulting in the arms being unable to close and secure tissue effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a clipping instrument with a withdrawal stopper and an advancement stopper at the distal end of the flexible sheath, which restricts the fastening ring from being retracted or advanced excessively, allowing for controlled opening and closing of the clipping arms using an operation wire, ensuring secure clipping and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fastening ring is pushed forward to be out of the sleeve, then the arms can be opened outside the flexible sheath, but considerable force is required to deform the sleeve and the fastening ring may be pushed out entirely to be unreturnable
Solution Approach 1:
A stopper mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the fastening ring and the sleeve. The stopper includes a stopper protrusion that engages with a stopper groove to limit the forward movement of the fastening ring, preventing it from being pushed out entirely while still allowing sufficient movement for the arms to open outside the flexible sheath.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the sleeve is changed from a rigid structure to a resilient structure that can elastically deform. The sleeve is designed to resiliently expand to allow the fastening ring to pass through and then restore its original shape to restrict the fastening ring from being pulled back, reducing the force required for operation while maintaining reliability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the fastening ring is held in place by a resiliently deformed sleeve, then the arms can be maintained open, but the sleeve requires considerable force to deform and may not reliably stop the fastening ring
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper mechanism serves as an intermediary that provides a reliable stopping point for the fastening ring. The stopper protrusion and stopper groove create a mechanical interlock that definitively limits the forward movement of the fastening ring, ensuring stable positioning without requiring excessive deformation force of the sleeve.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient sleeve acts as a cushioning element that absorbs the force applied to the fastening ring. By designing the sleeve to be resilient rather than rigid, it provides a gradual resistance that eases the operation while still maintaining the arms in an open position when deformed.
3Ease of operation
If the fastening ring can be freely moved in the sleeve, then the arms can be easily opened and closed, but the fastening ring may be accidentally pulled back or pushed out excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper mechanism provides mechanical feedback to the operator by creating a distinct stopping point when the fastening ring reaches the limit of its forward movement. The engagement of the stopper protrusion with the stopper groove gives tactile feedback that prevents accidental excessive movement while allowing easy closing of the arms through normal operational force.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper mechanism acts as an intermediary control element that mediates between the operator's input force and the fastening ring's movement. It allows free movement within the desired range for arm closing while blocking excessive movement in both directions, ensuring reliable position control.
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 design allows for steady and secure positioning of the fastening ring, enabling easy and controlled opening and closing of the clipping arms, preventing unintended detachment and ensuring effective clipping of tissue without excessive force.
Implementation Method 1
The withdrawal stopper includes a pair of blade springs, and the advancement stopper includes a different pair of blade springs
Data Source
AI summary
A clipping instrument for an endoscope is provided. The clipping instrument includes a flexible sheath, an operation wire, at least one detachable clip assembly, including a pair of openable and closable clipping arms and a fastening ring, the clipping arms being configured to be projected forward to open and to be closed according to forwarding and retracting movements of the fastening ring through the operation wire, a withdrawal stopper and an advancement stopper, which are provided in the vicinity of the distal end portion of the flexible sheath. The withdrawal stopper restricts the fastening ring from being retracted rearward into the withdrawal stopper once the fastening ring is forwarded to penetrate through the withdrawal stopper. The advancement stopper restricts the fastening ring from being forwarded further to penetrate out of the advancement stopper once the fastening ring is forwarded to penetrate through the withdrawal stopper.