Ligation Clip Latching Structure for Secure Applicator Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ligation clips are not securely fastened to clip applicators, leading to frequent dislodgment during surgical procedures, necessitating time-consuming retrieval and replacement.
Innovation Solution
The ligation clip design features transverse and head portions on bosses, a longitudinal rib, and locking elements that enhance secure engagement with the clip applicator, preventing dislodgment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If simple boss and recess engagement structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of clip retention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The boss structure is segmented into multiple functional portions: a cylindrical portion for insertion into the recess, a shouldered portion with a larger diameter that provides mechanical interference fit, and a head portion that prevents complete insertion. This segmentation transforms a simple engagement structure into a multi-component retention system that reliably prevents clip dislodgment while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The boss structure employs asymmetry through the shouldered portion where the diameter changes from the cylindrical portion to a larger diameter section. This asymmetric geometry creates a mechanical interference fit that provides unidirectional retention force, ensuring the clip remains securely attached to the applicator during surgical procedures without requiring complex additional components.
2Reliability
If secure engagement structure is implemented, then reliability of clip retention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple retention functions are merged into a single integrated boss structure. The cylindrical portion provides insertion guidance, the shouldered portion provides mechanical interference fit for retention, and the head portion prevents over-insertion. By combining these functions into one unified structure rather than using separate components, the design achieves high reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The boss structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an insertion guide, a mechanical retainer through the shouldered portion, and a stop element through the head portion. This multi-functionality allows a single structural element to provide comprehensive retention reliability without requiring additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If clip becomes dislodged during procedure, then reliability is compromised, but loss of time increases due to retrieval and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The shouldered portion of the boss structure provides beforehand mechanical interference fit that cushions against dislodgment forces during surgical procedures. By pre-configuring this retention mechanism, the design prevents clip dislodgment before it can occur, eliminating the need for time-consuming retrieval and replacement operations and maintaining procedural efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 2B~3
AI summary
A surgical ligation clip includes a first jaw, a second jaw, and a hinge portion that pivotably couples the first jaw to the second jaw. The first and second jaws define respective clamping surfaces and include spaced bosses. Each of the spaced bosses include a transverse portion and a head portion that is oversized and has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the transverse portions. The oversized head portions allow for the ligation clips to be securely supported on a clip applicator.