Reloadable Endoscopic Clip Assembly With Sleeve-Lock Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic clipping devices lack the ability to reload clips efficiently, necessitating multiple devices for multiple clipping procedures, which is inefficient and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A reloadable clipping system with a clip assembly and applicator that allows for the releasable engagement and release of clip assemblies, utilizing a locking sleeve with deflectable tabs and a control member to transition between tissue receiving and clipping configurations, enabling multiple clip deployments with a single applicator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single applicator is used for multiple clipping procedures, then device efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for reloading mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into distinct functional modules: a reusable applicator body and replaceable clip assemblies. Each clip assembly contains its own capsule and locking mechanism, allowing independent replacement without discarding the entire applicator. This segmentation enables multiple clip deployments while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows the clip assembly to be discarded after use while recovering and reusing the applicator body. The locking sleeve and deflectable tabs are part of the reusable applicator mechanism that remains functional after clip deployment, enabling the same applicator to be reloaded with new clip assemblies for subsequent procedures.
2Reliability
If a locking sleeve with deflectable tabs is used to secure clip assemblies, then reliability of clip retention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the complexity of engagement and disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static connection to a dynamic one using deflectable tabs. These tabs can be deflected to engage or disengage the locking sleeve from the capsule, providing reliable retention during normal use while allowing controlled release when needed. The dynamic nature of the connection enables both secure holding and easy release through simple tab deflection.
3Reliability
If multiple engaging structures are used to secure the locking sleeve to the capsule, then reliability of connection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple engaging structures are merged into a single integrated locking sleeve component. The locking sleeve incorporates multiple engagement points with the capsule simultaneously, creating a unified connection system that provides reliable retention without requiring separate independent locking mechanisms. This merging reduces overall complexity while maintaining strong connection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for treating tissue including a clip assembly including a pair of clip arms, a proximal end of each of the clip arms slidably received within a channel of a capsule and moveable between a tissue receiving configuration and a tissue clipping configuration. The system also including an applicator releasably coupleable to the clip assembly, the applicator including a control member connectable to the proximal end of each of the clip arms and a locking sleeve coupleable to a proximal end of the capsule via a deflectable tab including an engaging structure configured to engage a corresponding engaging structure at the proximal end of the capsule and a releasing structure proximal of the engaging structure, the releasing structure engagable with a portion of the control member to deflect the deflectable member and disengage the engaging structure of the locking sleeve from the corresponding engaging structure of the capsule.