Articulating Medical Handle With Transverse Actuators for Easier Bending

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Medical devices with actuators are difficult for users with smaller hands to fully operate, leading to reduced effectiveness and increased user fatigue due to uncomfortable hand positions and the need for full rotation of rotatable knobs.

Innovation Solution

A medical device with a handle featuring moveable actuators that initiate bending of a distal articulating portion along transverse axes, allowing for ergonomic operation and reduced fatigue, including actuators positioned for easier access and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If rotatable knob actuators are used for full articulation, then the distal articulating portion can be fully controlled, but users with smaller hands cannot fully actuate the actuators, reducing operational effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator operabilityVSAvoidarticulation control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator design is changed from a rotatable knob requiring full rotation to a linear translation actuator that moves along a transverse axis. This parameter change in the actuation motion type allows users with smaller hands to fully actuate the control without the rotational distance requirement, while still achieving complete articulation of the distal portion through the translation-to-rotation conversion mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If actuators are positioned for full control, then articulation precision is improved, but hand position becomes uncomfortable, increasing user fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticulation precisionVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator movement is shifted from a rotational dimension to a linear translation dimension along a transverse axis. This dimensional change allows the actuator to be positioned in a more ergonomic location on the handle where users can comfortably apply linear force, while the internal mechanism converts this linear motion back to the rotational motion needed for precise articulation control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If actuators require full rotation for complete articulation, then full range of motion is achieved, but procedure time increases due to difficulty of operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of motionVSAvoidprocedure speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The direct rotational mechanical connection is substituted with a linear translation actuator mechanism. This mechanical substitution allows the actuator to be operated more quickly and easily through linear motion, while an internal conversion mechanism (such as a cam or linkage system) transforms the linear translation into the necessary rotational motion to achieve complete articulation range, thereby increasing procedure speed without sacrificing range of motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20260007306A1Medical devices and related systems and methods

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

Medical devices and related methods are described, including a medical device that includes a shaft including a distal articulating portion; and a handle coupled to the shaft. The handle may include a first actuator moveably coupled to a handle body of the handle, and the first actuator may be configured to initiate bending of the distal articulating portion in a first direction when the first actuator is translated along a first axis transverse from a central longitudinal axis of the medical device.