Biopsy Needle Blade Attachment via Segmented Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biopsy devices face challenges in securely attaching a flat blade to small gauge needles and maintaining the structural integrity of needle assemblies, particularly when creating a 'figure eight' cross-section, which can lead to interference with internal cutters and deformation issues.
Innovation Solution
The biopsy device incorporates a cutter receiving tube and blade assembly with a multi-member coupling system, allowing for secure attachment of a flat blade to the needle via a metal-to-metal contact and eliminating deformation risks by providing a welding surface on the exterior of the needle, thus ensuring a strong bond and preventing interference with internal cutters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a flat blade is attached to a very small gauge needle portion, then the blade can be properly secured to the needle, but the attachment becomes difficult due to limited access for welding
Solution Approach 1:
The needle portion is divided into two separate components: a hollow needle body and a solid needle insert. The flat blade is attached to the insert, which is then inserted into the hollow needle body and secured. This segmentation allows the blade attachment to be performed on the larger insert component where welding access is easier, rather than attempting to attach the blade directly to the small gauge needle.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid needle insert acts as an intermediary component between the flat blade and the hollow needle body. The blade is welded to the insert, which then serves as the mounting substrate within the hollow needle. This intermediary approach enables proper blade attachment while maintaining the small gauge dimensions of the final needle assembly.
2Shape
If a shelf or tray is inserted into an ovular needle portion to create a figure eight cross-section, then the needle can be structured to receive the blade, but the shelf or tray may deform when being inserted or welded in place
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is segmented into a hollow ovular needle body and a separate solid insert. The figure eight cross-section is achieved by the combination of these two components rather than by inserting a separate shelf or tray into a single needle. This eliminates the deformation issues associated with inserting and welding shelves or trays, as the structural components are manufactured as separate stable pieces and assembled together.
3Strength
If a shelf or tray is welded in place within the needle portion, then the blade can be mounted, but the shelf or tray may deform during welding
Solution Approach 1:
The needle assembly is divided into a hollow needle body and a solid insert, eliminating the need for a separate shelf or tray component. The solid insert provides the necessary structural support for blade mounting without requiring insertion or welding of additional internal components, thereby preventing deformation issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid needle insert serves as an intermediary structure that provides a stable mounting surface for the blade. Rather than welding a shelf or tray into the hollow needle, the insert is designed to be inserted into the hollow needle and secured, providing a rigid substrate for blade attachment without the deformation risks of welding thin internal components.
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 configuration enhances the secure attachment of the blade to the needle, preventing deformation and ensuring proper function during biopsy procedures, while maintaining the structural integrity of the needle assembly.
Implementation Method 1
Accomplishing both these preferences may be particularly difficult when combining a flat blade to a very small gauge needle portion... providing a welding surface on the exterior of the needle
Data Source
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AI summary
A biopsy device may comprise a probe assembly that has a needle assembly extending distally from the probe assembly. The needle assembly has a needle portion and blade assembly. The blade assembly comprises a blade and a multi-member coupling assembly. The multi-member coupling assembly is configured to couple to the blade and to the needle portion to attach the blade to the needle portion. In one configuration the multi-member coupling assembly comprises two coupling members configure to couple to the blade. The blade may be a flat blade that has a retention channel formed therein, wherein the two coupling members may couple to the blade at the retention channel. The needle portion may comprise a needle and a cutter receiving tube. The needle may be an ovular cross-sectioned tube having a cut-out portion into which a circular cross-sectioned cutter receiving tube may be inserted and coupled thereto.