Axially Stacked Waveform Flexible Frameworks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical and non-medical devices require flexible structures that can maintain mechanical properties and functionality across varying lengths and applications, but current solutions like continuously braided structures or extruded tubing lack the ability to fine-tune properties such as bending, torsion, and compression, and often have homogeneous properties along the length.

Innovation Solution

The development of flexible frameworks composed of axially stacked structural components with waveforms or non-wave elements, allowing for the creation of internal conduits and varying mechanical properties through the combination of different materials, geometries, and bonding methods, enabling customization of flexibility and rigidity based on specific applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If continuously braided structures or extruded tubing are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but the ability to fine-tune mechanical properties (bending, torsion, compression) is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to fine-tune mechanical propertiesVSAvoidstructure homogeneity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible structure is divided into multiple discrete segments or units that can be independently configured. Each segment can have different waveform characteristics, materials, or geometries, allowing fine-tuning of mechanical properties while maintaining overall structural integrity through the modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the flexible structure can have different mechanical properties by varying the waveform characteristics, material composition, or geometric parameters of individual segments. This allows localized optimization of bending, torsion, and compression properties to match specific application requirements along different sections of the structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If homogeneous properties are used along the length of the structure, then manufacturing is simplified, but customization of flexibility and rigidity for specific applications is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization of flexibility and rigidityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is manufactured as separate modular segments that can be produced using standardized processes, then assembled into customized configurations. This maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling application-specific customization of flexibility and rigidity through selective combination of segments with different properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Customization is achieved by varying parameters such as waveform amplitude, wavelength, segment length, or material composition of individual segments rather than creating entirely different structures. This allows flexible and rigid sections to be incorporated into the same overall structure through parameter adjustment of discrete units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If waveform gaps are included between components, then flexibility is enhanced, but structural rigidity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidstructural rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The waveform gaps provide dynamic flexibility allowing the structure to bend and articulate when needed, while the ability to close or flatten the gaps under load provides dynamic rigidity when structural strength is required. This creates a structure that can adapt its mechanical properties based on operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Waveform gaps can be strategically placed at specific locations where flexibility is needed, while maintaining solid continuous structure in regions requiring rigidity. This allows localized flexibility enhancement without compromising overall structural strength in critical areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

These frameworks provide enhanced mechanical properties and flexibility, allowing for the creation of devices with tailored performance characteristics, such as steerable catheters and flexible camera systems, by adjusting the distance between components, material thickness, and incorporating non-wave elements to achieve specific design requirements.

Implementation Method 1

waveform gaps between two components provides flexibility because a waveform gap closes (e.g., flattens) and opens when acted upon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The wire and compression spring combinations can be bonded to the top plate in order to provide a location to apply pressure, tension, or compression in order to steer the framework

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10624530B2Flexible structures

Publication Date: 2020.04.21 GRAHAM HOWARD

AI summary

Flexible frameworks are described including a plurality of at least one structural component having a waveform axially stacked and configured to form at least one internal conduit.