Ligation Clip Hinge Insert Assembly to Prevent Living Hinge Creep
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storing polymeric clips in a compressed or partially compressed state causes strain and/or material creep in the material of the polymeric clips, especially in the region of the living hinge, which adversely impacts the condition and/or performance of the polymeric clips.
Innovation Solution
The ligation clips are supported in a compressed state causes strain and/or material creep, especially in the region of the living hinge, which adversely impacts the condition and/or performance of the polymeric clips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If polymeric clips are stored in a compressed or partially compressed state to minimize overall dimension and facilitate delivery, then the clips can be delivered through small diameter cannulae, but strain and material creep occur in the polymeric material especially in the living hinge region
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge portion is segmented into a body portion and multiple flexible inserts with different rigidities. This segmentation allows each insert to independently manage stress and deformation, preventing material creep while maintaining compressibility for delivery through small cannulae.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the hinge portion are assigned different rigidities. The flexible inserts have progressively lower rigidity than the body portion, creating local zones of compliance that absorb storage strain while preserving the overall structural integrity of the clip.
2Ease of operation
If the hinge portion is made flexible to allow movement between open and clamped configurations, then the clip can function properly, but the material may deform under compression during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The rigidity parameter is varied across different inserts in the hinge assembly. By creating a gradient of rigidity values, the hinge maintains sufficient flexibility for operation while the stiffer body portion and strategically placed inserts prevent excessive deformation during compressed storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge portion combines multiple materials or material structures with different mechanical properties. The body portion and flexible inserts form a composite structure that integrates both flexibility for movement and stability to resist compression-induced deformation.
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
The flexible insert assembly reduces deformation and strain in the ligation clip by providing inserts with varying rigidity, allowing for smooth transition between open and clamped configurations without causing plastic deformation.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible inserts have a rigidity less than a rigidity of the body portion. The flexible inserts are peripherally arranged about the hinge portion and spaced apart from each other.
Implementation Method 2
Storing polymeric clips in a compressed or partially compressed state causes strain and/or material creep in the material of the polymeric clips, especially in the region of the living hinge
Data Source
AI summary
A litigation clip (10) includes a hinge portion (300) having a flexible insert assembly (400) embedded in a body portion of the hinge portion (300). The flexible insert assembly (400) includes inserts (402, 404, 406) that are formed of a material that is more flexible than a material forming the body portion of the hinge portion (300). In this manner, plastic deformation in the hinge portion (300) of the ligation clip (10) is reduced or eliminated.