Tissue Anchor Insertion Device with Nested Tracking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for setting fastening anchors in tissue, such as plastic nets during hernia operations, are limited by a small number of anchors due to mechanical constraints and have a relatively large overall length, which hampers their effectiveness and versatility.
Innovation Solution
The device design allows the press-in part to engage with the next fastening anchor behind the needle tip during each setting operation, independent of the number of anchors, enabling a larger number of fastening anchors to be used while maintaining a shorter overall length, with a spring-elastic retaining tongue mechanism for direct force transmission and efficient anchor placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of fastening anchors arranged on the needle is increased, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases and the tracking mechanism cannot function properly due to loss of elasticity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking function from the press-in part by introducing a separate tracking mechanism with its own engagement elements that independently track the fastening anchors. This separation allows the press-in part to focus solely on pressing anchors while the tracking mechanism handles anchor positioning, enabling reliable tracking even with larger numbers of anchors without compromising the pressing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct functional modules: the needle for anchor arrangement, the press-in part for pressing anchors into tissue, and the tracking mechanism for monitoring anchor positions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the tracking mechanism using spring elements with appropriate elasticity for the specific number of anchors being used.
2Productivity
If the number of fastening anchors arranged on the needle is increased, then the productivity is improved, but the device length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking mechanism is nested within the structure of the needle assembly, with tracking elements positioned along the needle shaft. The spring elements of the tracking mechanism are arranged concentrically or in parallel with the needle, allowing multiple anchors to be tracked without proportionally increasing the overall device length. The press-in part also utilizes nested arrangements where components are stacked or positioned within existing structural spaces.
3Force
If the press-in part engages with the last fastening anchor on the needle, then the force transmission is direct, but the device length increases and the number of usable anchors is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spring elements as intermediaries between the press-in part and the fastening anchors. These spring elements provide flexible force transmission that can accommodate variations in anchor positioning and tissue depth. The springs act as mediators that transmit pressing force while allowing for elastic deformation, maintaining effective force transmission even when the press-in part does not directly contact the last anchor on the needle.
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
This design enables the placement of a larger number of fastening anchors with improved force transmission and reduced device length, facilitating more efficient and direct anchor setting in tissue.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-elastic retaining tongue mechanism for direct force transmission
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for inserting securing anchors into human or animal tissue, in particular for securing plastic meshes, comprises an actuation part (10) that can be pushed forwards and returned for an insertion procedure, a needle (13) that is pushed forwards and drawn back by the actuation part (10), several securing anchors arranged on the needle (13) passing through their channels (8), a press-in part (16) which is pushed forwards as the actuation part (10) is advanced and with which the securing anchor (3) arranged at the very front, relative to the direction of advance, and located in a standby position in the area of the needle tip, is pressed into the tissue, and a reloading mechanism with which the securing anchor (3) located behind the securing anchor to be pressed into the tissue is displaced in the direction of the needle tip during the insertion procedure. The press-in part (16) comprises a portion (17) which, when the device is filled completely with securing anchors (3), extends over several of the securing anchors (3) in the direction to the front end of the needle (13) and has, at its front end, engagement elements (18) for engaging on the rear face of at least one protruding part (5) of a securing anchor (3). During the resetting of the actuation part (10), the engagement elements (18) of the press-in part (16) can be carried over or around at least one protruding part (5) of the next behind securing anchor (3) and can be brought to rest on the rear face of at least one protruding part (5) of this next behind securing anchor (3).