Endoscopic Tissue Clip Capsule Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic hemostatic clipping devices face limitations in reaching and deploying clips effectively due to the constraints of the endoscopic working lumen, which can hinder precise placement and secure closure of wounds within the body.
Innovation Solution
A tissue clipping device featuring a flexible member for insertion through an endoscope, a capsule with a clip that locks closed under tension, and a constraint mechanism that releases to allow precise deployment and locking of the clip, ensuring effective closure of wounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the clipping device is designed to reach tissues deep within the body via the endoscopic working lumen, then the device can access deep target sites, but the dimensions of the clipping device are limited by the dimensions of the endoscopic working lumen
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is nested within the capsule, and the entire assembly is delivered through the endoscopic working lumen. The clip can be drawn proximally into the capsule to close the arms, while the capsule itself passes through the constrained lumen, allowing deep tissue access without exceeding lumen dimensional limits
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: the capsule for delivery and containment, the clip for tissue closure, the tension member for actuation, and the constraint member for controlled deployment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively solving the dimensional constraint problem
2Manufacturing precision
If the clip is drawn proximally into the capsule to close the arms, then the wound edges are brought together, but the clip must be securely held and released at the precise location
Solution Approach 1:
The constraint member is pre-configured to maintain the clip in an unlocked configuration during delivery. When the tension member is actuated, the constraint member automatically releases, allowing the clip to move to the locked closed configuration. This preliminary setup ensures precise placement without requiring complex manual control during deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The constraint member acts as an intermediary between the tension member and the clip. It translates the tension applied by the tension member into a controlled release mechanism that allows the clip to transition from unlocked to locked configuration at the precise location, balancing placement precision with operational ease
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 enables precise and secure closure of wounds by allowing the clip to be locked closed within the capsule, maintaining hemostasis while protecting the endoscope's working channel from sharp edges and facilitating easy deployment and retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
a connection between the binding member and the tension member yielding when subject to a predetermined load
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention is directed to A clip delivery apparatus, comprising a flexible member sized for insertion through a working channel of an endoscope to a target site within a body and a capsule releasably coupled to a distal end of the flexible member, in combination with a clip, a proximal end of which is received within the capsule and a tension member extending through the flexible member to a proximal end of the clip, a binding member coupling the tension member to the clip, a connection between the binding member and the tension member yielding when subject to a predetermined load and a constraint member maintaining the clip in an unlocked configuration, the constraint member being coupled to the tension member and releasably connected to the clip so that, when the connection between the binding member and the tension member yields, the constraint member releases from the clip allowing the clip to move to a locked configuration in which the clip is locked closed, a bushing releasably connecting a distal end of the flexible member and the capsule, and an interlock tube in an interference fit between the capsule and the bushing, wherein the tension member includes an abutting surface which, after the connection between the tension member and the binding member yields, pushes the interlock tube into the bushing separating the capsule from the bushing.