Actuation Line Slack Layout for Sequential Medical Device Deployment

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical device deployment systems with multiple actuators face complexity, require larger handles and thicker catheters, and are prone to tangling and malfunction due to interference of actuation lines.

Innovation Solution

A medical device deployment apparatus employs a first and second actuation line with predefined slack patterns, using release materials like tubes or sheets to delay actuation, reducing tangling and interference by maintaining loops or windings until tension is applied.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple actuation lines are used to control multiple components, then the functionality and versatility of the medical device deployment system is improved, but the device complexity increases and the risk of tangling and malfunction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation lines are segmented into multiple independent sections with specific slack patterns (loops, windings, folds) created at different locations. This segmentation allows each section to be independently configured to provide delay, preventing tangling while maintaining control over multiple components through separate actuation lines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Slack patterns are pre-formed in the actuation lines before deployment, including loops, windings, and folds positioned at specific locations. These preliminary configurations ensure that when tension is applied during deployment, the actuation lines will not tangle or interfere with each other, while still providing the necessary delay for sequential component activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple actuation lines are used to control multiple components, then the functionality and versatility of the medical device deployment system is improved, but the handle size and catheter thickness increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidhandle size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation lines are segmented into multiple independent sections with specific slack patterns (loops, windings, folds) created at different locations. This segmentation allows each section to be independently configured to provide delay, preventing tangling while maintaining control over multiple components through separate actuation lines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Slack patterns are pre-formed in the actuation lines before deployment, including loops, windings, and folds positioned at specific locations. These preliminary configurations ensure that when tension is applied during deployment, the actuation lines will not tangle or interfere with each other, while still providing the necessary delay for sequential component activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If actuation lines are routed through the system, then the actuation function is achieved, but the risk of tangling and interference between actuation lines increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation functionVSAvoidtangling risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation lines are segmented into multiple independent sections with specific slack patterns (loops, windings, folds) created at different locations. This segmentation allows each section to be independently configured to provide delay, preventing tangling while maintaining control over multiple components through separate actuation lines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Slack patterns are pre-formed in the actuation lines before deployment, including loops, windings, and folds positioned at specific locations. These preliminary configurations ensure that when tension is applied during deployment, the actuation lines will not tangle or interfere with each other, while still providing the necessary delay for sequential component activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250339227A1Actuation line storage systems and methods

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 WL GORE & ASSOC INC

AI summary

A medical device deployment apparatus that employs a first actuation line and a second actuation line, whereby a delay is sought between initiation of the actuation of the first actuation line and actuation of the second actuation line. Prior to actuation, the first actuation line includes sequentially aligned multiple loops, wherein the multiple loops provide predefined slack to delay linear actuation of the first actuation line when tension is applied to both the first and second actuation lines.