Rubber Band Ligator Trigger Winding for Stable One-Handed Use
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current rubber band ligators for treating gastrointestinal conditions like esophageal varices and hemorrhoids require manual handling, which is time-consuming and destabilizes the device due to negative reverse forces, complicating the application process.
Innovation Solution
A device with an axial element and a trigger mechanism that utilizes a gear or spring-actuated winding mechanism to automate the winding of the wire, allowing for one-handed operation and simplified application of rubber bands using a tension-compression principle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual rotation of the handle is used to operate the rubber band ligator, then the device can be operated with simple structure, but the handling becomes time-consuming and destabilizes the device due to negative reverse forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical rotation system with an automated winding mechanism driven by a pulling trigger. The spool is automatically wound by pulling the trigger, which activates a winding mechanism (such as a rack and pinion or cam mechanism) that converts linear trigger movement into rotational spool movement. This eliminates the need for manual handle rotation, reduces handling time, and prevents device destabilization by removing the negative reverse forces associated with manual operation.
2Productivity
If several elastic bands are applied one after another using the activation mechanism, then multiple varices can be treated in one session, but the activation process becomes very time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous application of rubber bands through a single pulling trigger action. The trigger is connected to a spool that winds up a cord or wire, which in turn releases multiple rubber bands sequentially from the ligator head. This continuous action mechanism allows multiple rubber bands to be applied in one uninterrupted motion, significantly reducing the time required compared to applying each band separately through repeated activation cycles.
3Extent of automation
If the spool is continuously driven during the entire movement of the trigger, then the wire is always wound up, but the mechanism becomes more complex and may not be necessary for all phases of trigger movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic winding mechanism where the spool is driven only during specific phases of the trigger movement. A one-way clutch or ratchet mechanism allows the spool to be wound when the trigger is pulled in the winding direction, but prevents reverse rotation when the trigger returns. This dynamic control enables automatic winding functionality while keeping the mechanism relatively simple by allowing free rotation in non-winding phases and engaging only when needed.
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 device simplifies the handling of rubber band ligators by automating the winding process, reducing the time and effort required for applying rubber bands, and ensuring stable operation without manual destabilization.
Implementation Method 1
the spool is coupled with the trigger by means of a gear mechanism, which implements a translational movement of the trigger during a rotational movement of the spool
Implementation Method 2
a spring-actuated winding mechanism can also be provided that can rotationally drive the spool. The spring-actuated winding mechanism can, for example, be designed in such a way that the wire is wound up while the trigger moves back from a proximal position into a distal starting position
Implementation Method 3
simplifies the application of rubber bands using a tension-compression principle
Data Source
AI summary
A device for applying rubber bands in the human body and in other living beings includes: an axial element having a first handle; a trigger movably mounted on the axial element having one or more handles for moving the trigger along the axial element wherein the trigger serves to pull a wire; and an assembly that has a spool for winding up the wire. The spool is tightly connected with the trigger by a gear mechanism formed in such a way that, when the trigger is pulled, the spool is not rotationally driven and the wire is pulled along by way of the pulling movement of the trigger, whereby one or more rubber bands can be applied to a part of a living being to be treated, and that when the trigger moves back into a starting position, the wire is wound onto the spool.