Articulating Shaft Structure With Outboard Segments for Tool Space
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Medical device shafts with articulation members constrain the inner diameter, limiting space for tools, irrigation, suction, and housing internal components due to space occupation by the articulation mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The medical device incorporates an articulation member with radially outward segments and a rib, providing additional space for tools and electronic components by using a rib to divide channels and allowing pivotable segments with aligned apertures for steering wires, along with a sheath enclosing the articulation member and working channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an articulation member is added to the shaft, then articulation capability is improved, but the inner diameter and space for tools/components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation member is positioned radially outward from the working channel, utilizing the radial dimension rather than consuming axial or circumferential space within the channel. This dimensional repositioning allows articulation functionality to be added without reducing the inner diameter available for tools and components.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation member is divided into multiple segments that can pivot relative to each other, allowing the structure to articulate while maintaining a compact radial profile. The segmented design enables movement without requiring excessive space, as each segment contributes to the overall articulation while occupying minimal individual volume.
2Area of stationary object
If articulation segments are positioned radially outward, then space for tools is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rib structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the radially outward segments, acts as a backbone for the articulation mechanism, and maintains the overall shape of the articulation member. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate structural components, thereby limiting the increase in structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib is integrated with the articulation segments, combining the support structure and the articulation mechanism into a unified assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall structure, allowing radial positioning of segments without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If multiple apertures are aligned for steering wires, then steering control is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation member is divided into multiple segments, each with its own aperture. This segmentation allows each aperture to be positioned and aligned independently during manufacturing, reducing the overall precision requirement compared to creating a single complex aperture structure. The modular nature of segmented apertures simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining steering control functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Medical devices with articulation members are described, including a medical device that includes a shaft defining a working channel extending from a proximal end to a distal portion of the shaft. The distal portion of the shaft includes an articulation member comprising a plurality of segments radially outward of the working channel. Each segment may have an arc-shaped cross-section and define at least one aperture, e.g., aligned with the aperture(s) an adjacent segment for receiving a steering wire therethrough. Each segment is pivotable relative to the adjacent segment. The articulation member also includes a rib extending along a longitudinal axis of the shaft and coupled to, or integral with, each segment of the plurality of segments. The rib extends radially outward from the plurality of segments in a direction away from the working channel.