Reversible Clip Locking Bar for Implant Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical methods for attaching implants, such as those used in hernia repair, often require invasive techniques and prolonged recovery times due to the lack of a reversible connection mechanism between the implant and the deployment device, necessitating forceful detachment and potential tissue trauma.

Innovation Solution

An active reversible connection mechanism featuring a clip with multiple configurations and a locking bar, allowing for secure attachment and easy detachment without applying force to the implant, utilizing a wire actuator to transform the locking bar and enable free rotation of the clip for detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional surgical methods are used to attach implants, then secure attachment is achieved, but invasive techniques and prolonged recovery times occur due to lack of reversible connection mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidtissue trauma
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism transitions from a static irreversible attachment to a dynamic reversible system. The clip can be rotated between a first position for secure attachment and a second position for detachment, allowing the connection state to change based on surgical needs without causing tissue trauma.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking bar changes its position between a locked position that constrains the clip and an unlocked position that allows rotation. This parameter change enables controlled attachment and detachment while maintaining reliability during the surgical procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If force is applied to detach the implant, then detachment is achieved, but tissue trauma increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachment easeVSAvoidtissue trauma
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking bar acts as an intermediary mechanism between the clip and the deployment device. By moving the locking bar to the unlocked position, the clip is released from constraint and can rotate freely to detach, eliminating the need to apply force directly to the implant or tissue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual rotation and locking mechanism replaces the need for forceful mechanical detachment. The wire actuator can be pulled to rotate the locking bar, which automatically releases the clip without requiring direct force application to the implant.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If a reversible connection mechanism is implemented, then detachment without force is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereversible connectionVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reversible connection mechanism is divided into separate functional components: the clip for attachment, the locking bar for constraint, and the wire actuator for control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, managing complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking bar serves multiple functions: it locks the clip in position during attachment, it can be rotated to unlock the clip for detachment, and it provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If conventional attachment methods are used, then implant security is maintained, but surgical efficiency decreases due to prolonged recovery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplant securityVSAvoidsurgical efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic reversible connection allows the implant to be securely attached during surgery and then easily detached for removal or adjustment. This capability improves surgical efficiency by enabling flexible management of the implant without compromising security during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking bar can be manually rotated by the surgeon to lock or unlock the clip without requiring additional tools or complex operations. This self-service mechanism improves surgical efficiency by allowing quick attachment and detachment while maintaining implant security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Facilitates minimally invasive surgery by allowing rapid and reliable attachment and detachment of implants, reducing tissue trauma and shortening recovery times, as the mechanism enables active reversal of the attachment without requiring force on the implant, thus enhancing surgical efficiency and patient recovery.

Implementation Method 1

a lock bar including a body portion and at least one spring member disposed thereon configured to bias the at least one clip towards a closed position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9034002B2Lock bar spring and clip for implant deployment device
Publication Date: 2015.05.19 COVIDIEN LP
  • US9034002B2 patent drawing
  • US9034002B2 patent drawing
  • US9034002B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for closing an aperture in a biological tissue includes an implant deployment device having at least one frame arm. At least one clip is connected to the at least one frame arm and configured to releasably retain a surgical implant to the frame arm. A lock bar including at least one spring member is disposed on the at least one frame arm and is configured to bias the clips towards a closed position.