Ligation Clip With Flexible Hinge Inserts to Reduce Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storing polymeric ligation clips in a compressed or partially compressed state causes strain and material creep, impacting their performance, especially at the living hinge, which can lead to deformation during application and storage.
Innovation Solution
A ligation clip design featuring a flexible insert assembly at stress points in the hinge portion, composed of inserts with varying rigidity, reduces deformation by facilitating flexible transitions between open and clamped configurations.
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 clip material especially at the living hinge region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing a flexible insert specifically at the hinge region where stress concentration occurs during compression. This insert has different material properties (higher flexibility) than the main clip body, allowing the hinge area to accommodate compression stresses without causing strain or material creep in the rigid polymer clip material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the rigid polymer clip material with a flexible insert material that has different mechanical properties. This composite structure allows the clip to maintain its structural integrity and rigidity in the main body while the flexible insert at the hinge region absorbs compression stresses, preventing damage during storage and delivery.
2Strength
If the hinge portion is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then the clip body remains stable, but deformation occurs during transitions between open and clamped configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible insert is placed specifically at the hinge region to provide localized flexibility where it is needed for configuration transitions, while the rest of the clip maintains its rigid structure for structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the rigidity parameter locally by introducing the flexible insert with different material properties. This allows the hinge region to deform elastically during transitions between open and clamped configurations without causing permanent deformation or structural failure.
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 minimizes plastic deformation and strain, enhancing the clip's performance and durability during clamping and storage, while maintaining effective tissue gripping.
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.
Data Source
AI summary
A ligation 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.