Transparent Cartridge Case for Endoscopic Clip Visual Confirmation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In endoscopic treatments, existing clip units used for ligating resected areas to stop bleeding pose a challenge as operators cannot visually confirm the clip's position within the clip introduction device, making loading and positioning difficult.

Innovation Solution

A cartridge system with a clip unit featuring an arm that can be opened and closed, housed in a case with a storage area that moves longitudinally, allowing visual confirmation of the clip through an exposed opening, and incorporating a thread for easy attachment, facilitating the loading of the clip unit into the introduction device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a through-window fixture is used to load the clip unit, then the loading process can be completed, but the operator cannot visually confirm the clip's position inside the fixture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading processVSAvoidvisual confirmation of clip position

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies transparency (a form of optical property change) to the case material. The case is made transparent or translucent, allowing light to pass through so the operator can visually observe the clip's position inside the case without opening it. This directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining the closed protective state while enabling visual confirmation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Reliability

If the clip unit is stored inside a closed case, then the clip is protected, but the operator cannot see the clip through the case

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclip protectionVSAvoidvisual recognition of clip

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The case is constructed from transparent or translucent material that allows visual observation of the clip unit stored inside. This maintains the protective enclosure while enabling the operator to see the clip's position, orientation, and state without compromising the protective function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The case design uses a thin-walled transparent structure that provides protection while allowing light transmission. The thin film or shell structure maintains structural integrity for protection while being optically transparent for visualization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Stability of the object's composition

If the storage area is completely enclosed, then the clip unit is securely held, but visual confirmation of the arm position is impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclip unit positioningVSAvoidarm position visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The case walls are made transparent or translucent, transforming the enclosed stable storage environment into an observable one. The optical property change allows the operator to see the arm position and clip unit composition without compromising the stability and secure holding provided by the enclosed structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS20240108355A1Cartridge system, cartridge and method for loading clip unit

Publication Date: 2024.04.04 OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

A cartridge system includes a clip unit including an arm configured to be opened and closed, and a case in which the clip unit has a storage area configured to move along a longitudinal direction, wherein the case includes an opening through which at least part of the arm is exposed when the clip unit stored in the storage area is positioned at a predetermined position.