Ligating Clip Cartridge Structure to Prevent Prong Deformation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polymeric ligating clip cartridges cause deformation and dulling of clip prongs due to contact with support structures during loading, storage, transport, and extraction, leading to reduced efficacy and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge design with parallel transverse partitions and a stringer configured as a keyhole cross-section, featuring a depending support flange to prevent contact between clip prongs and the stringer, ensuring the integrity of the prongs and facilitating damage-free extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If clips are stored in conventional cartridges with support posts, then clips are retained and organized during storage and transport, but the prongs or ribs of the clips come into contact with the support structures causing deformation and dulling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the traditional support post structure that causes prong contact and instead uses the cartridge partition walls themselves to support the clips. The clips are positioned to rest on the partition walls without intermediate support structures, thereby eliminating the source of prong deformation while maintaining clip retention and organization.
2Ease of operation
If conventional support structures are used in cartridges, then clips can be held in place during storage, but the structures cause contact between prongs and support surfaces leading to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge partition walls serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the cartridge, define individual clip compartments, and simultaneously serve as the support surface for the clips themselves. This eliminates the need for separate support posts that would cause prong contact, while maintaining effective clip retention and organization throughout storage and transport.
3Productivity
If clips are extracted from conventional cartridges, then clips can be applied to vessels, but the extraction process causes prongs to contact support structures resulting in further deformation
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the intermediate support posts from the cartridge design, the invention creates a clear path for clip extraction where prongs do not contact any support structures. The clips can be smoothly extracted and applied to vessels throughout the surgical procedure without acquiring deformations or dulling from contact with cartridge components.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A cartridge for ligating clips includes compartments formed of partitions lying in spaced parallel planes and a stringer spanning between the partitions. The legs of a clip are joined at a hinge which is seated over the stringer. The stringer comprises a substantially cylindrical body and a depending narrow support flange. Opposed faces of adjacent partitions include areas of reduced thickness spaced apart a distance sufficient to permit limited pivotal movement of the clip about the stringer. An abutment edge of the partition face provides a stop which is engaged by bosses at the ends of the clip legs to limit pivotal movement of the clip legs and prevent ribs of the clip from engaging the stringer.