Articulation Joint for Steerable Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and labor-intensive manufacturing of articulation joints in steerable, minimally invasive medical devices, such as catheters and endoscopes, limit their potential for disposability due to the use of expensive riveted stainless steel components.
Innovation Solution
The development of an articulation joint using a tubular structure with axially aligned rings and springs, where the rings are formed from metallic tubes or rolled metal sheets, and a fixture supports the springs for bonding to the rings, allowing for cost-effective manufacturing and enhanced flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional riveted stainless steel components are used for articulation joints, then structural strength and reliability are improved, but manufacturing cost and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies disposable articulation joints made from cost-effective materials and simplified manufacturing processes, enabling single-use medical devices while maintaining adequate performance for the intended application lifecycle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes material parameters and manufacturing parameters to reduce cost - using alternative materials and processes that achieve sufficient strength at lower cost and complexity compared to traditional riveted stainless steel construction
2Strength
If traditional riveted stainless steel components are used for articulation joints, then structural strength and reliability are improved, but manufacturing complexity and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the articulation joint design for disposable use, reducing manufacturing complexity through integrated structures and simplified assembly processes while maintaining sufficient structural integrity for single-use applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple components into integrated structures, reducing the number of separate parts and assembly steps required, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining structural function
3Ease of manufacture
If articulation joints are made more affordable through simplified construction, then disposability becomes feasible, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes structural parameters such as wall thickness, material properties, and geometric features to achieve the minimum required structural integrity for disposable medical device applications at reduced manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies enhanced structural features locally at critical stress points while using simplified construction in non-critical areas, achieving adequate overall structural integrity with reduced average complexity and cost
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
This solution enables the production of articulation joints that are more affordable and flexible, making steerable medical devices suitable for disposable use while maintaining structural integrity and bending capabilities, thus reducing the risk of cross-contamination and improving manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an energy source for bonding the rings to the springs supported by the fixture
Data Source
AI summary
A method of constructing an articulation joint includes forming a metallic tube with a number of rings formed therein. Springs may be secured to the inside surface or outside surface of the rings to allow the joint to bend in directions transverse to the axis of the springs. A fixture may be used to hold the springs at the correct position within the tube and the springs may be urged toward the rings or vice versa to obtain a good bond between the springs and the rings.