Reversible Patch Connection Mechanism for Hernia Repair

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical methods for hernia repair require invasive techniques, leading to significant trauma and prolonged recovery times, with a lack of reversible connection systems between patches and deployment devices.

Innovation Solution

An active reversible connection (ARC) mechanism featuring a connection clip with multiple configurations and a locking bar, allowing for secure attachment and detachment of a prosthetic patch to a patch deployment device without applying force, using a wire actuator for reversible transformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional rigid anchors are used to secure the patch, then the patch attachment strength is improved, but the tissue trauma and difficulty of removal increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatch attachment strengthVSAvoidtissue trauma
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection clip is designed with a resilient body that can dynamically change its configuration between locked and unlocked states. The resilient body flexes to allow the patch to be secured firmly, then returns to release the patch for removal, transforming a static rigid anchor into a dynamic reversible connector that reduces tissue trauma while maintaining attachment strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism changes the physical state of the connection clip from a constrained locked configuration to an unlocked configuration through parameter changes in the resilient body's mechanical state. This allows the same component to provide strong attachment when locked and easy removal when unlocked, resolving the contradiction between attachment strength and tissue trauma.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the patch is firmly attached to the deployment device, then the deployment reliability is improved, but the reversibility and ease of removal deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment reliabilityVSAvoidease of removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection clip transitions from a static attachment mechanism to a dynamic reversible one. The resilient body can be actuated to change configuration, providing reliable firm attachment during deployment, then easily unlocking for removal when needed, thus improving both reliability and ease of removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection clip acts as an intermediary between the deployment device and the patch. It provides the locking mechanism that secures the patch during deployment, then serves as the release mechanism for removal, mediating between the need for firm attachment and easy removal without requiring force application to the patch itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a simple connection mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of reversible connection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidreversible connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the resilient body for locking/unlocking, the connection clip for securing the patch, and the actuator for triggering the configuration change. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function reliably while keeping the overall design relatively simple and maintainable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2444003B1Means for reversibly connecting a patch to a patch deployment device
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 COVIDIEN LP
  • EP2444003B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2444003B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2444003B1 patent drawingFigure 2C~2D

AI summary

The present invention generally relates to a system for closing an aperture in a biological tissue, the system comprising a handle, an elongate shaft connected to the handle, a deployment scaffold connected to the shaft; and a plurality of attachment members connected to the scaffold, wherein the attachment members are configured to releasably retain a surgical implant, and releasing the implant from the scaffold comprises actively transforming the attachment members from a retaining configuration to a releasing configuration.