Bendable Distal Device Pull-Wire Steering Without Rotating Cams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices with steerable distal ends face reliability issues due to complex mechanisms, particularly involving rotatable cams or pulleys, which can fail or snap, impairing the steering functionality.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a simplified mechanism using a pull-wire system where a rigid elongate member within a hollow grip structure allows angular displacement, reducing the number of movable components and enabling bidirectional or omnidirectional bending through a control organ, with optional sensors and wireless communication for enhanced control and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex mechanism with rotatable cams or pulleys is used to control bending of the distal end, then the steering functionality is achieved, but the reliability decreases due to failure or snapping of moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex rotatable cam or pulley mechanism from the handgrip and replaces it with a simplified pull-wire system. The pull-wire extends directly from the distal flexible portion through the elongate body to the handgrip, eliminating intermediate moving parts that could fail. This extraction of the problematic mechanism directly improves reliability while reducing device complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple movable components are included in the steering mechanism, then the steering functionality is achieved, but the chances for failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the rotatable cam or pulley components, leaving only the essential pull-wire and knob assembly. This reduction in movable components directly decreases the statistical probability of failure while maintaining the core steering functionality through the pull-wire tensioning mechanism.
3Reliability
If a simplified mechanism with fewer movable components is used, then the reliability increases, but the control precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a knob that rotates within the handgrip to control the pull-wire tensioning, creating a direct mechanical linkage between the user's rotational input and the linear tensioning of the pull-wire. This simple copying mechanism effectively translates rotational motion into precise linear displacement of the pull-wire, maintaining control precision without requiring complex intermediate mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A device with bendable distal end of its elongate body and a system actuating the distal portion of the device is disclosed. A rigid elongate member fixedly attached to a distal portion of a grip structure and forming a pathway for pull-wires, can be manipulated by a control organ, such that an angular displacement of the rigid elongate member within the hollow grip structure with respect to the distal portion of the grip generates bending of the distal portion of the elongate body. The device may further comprise a mechanism for immobilizing the rigid elongate member with respect to the grip in a selected position, such that the bent distal portion of the elongate body remains fixed in the selected position.