Brachytherapy Source Guide Sleeve Envelops Mechanical Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing source guide apparatuses for brachytherapy suffer from a vulnerable transition area due to welds and reduced flexibility in crimp regions, which can lead to mechanical failures and limited maneuverability within the body.
Innovation Solution
A source guide apparatus featuring a guidewire with a flexible portion and a sleeve that envelops the guidewire, providing a mechanical connection between the guidewire and the source capsule, which stabilizes the connection and enhances flexibility by distributing mechanical loads, thereby preventing deformations and improving navigation through curved catheters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a weld connection is used to attach the adapter to the capsule, then the mechanical connection is strong, but a vulnerable transition area is created that can lead to mechanical failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the weld connection from the system entirely. Instead of welding the adapter to the capsule, it uses a mechanical connection where the adapter is inserted into the capsule and secured by a retention mechanism (such as a snap-fit or interlocking feature), eliminating the vulnerable welded transition area while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary retention mechanism between the adapter and capsule. This intermediary component (such as a retention ring, snap-fit feature, or interlocking structure) provides a reliable mechanical connection without requiring welding, thereby eliminating the vulnerable transition area associated with welds.
2Strength
If a crimp connection is used to connect the guidewire to the capsule, then the connection is secure, but flexibility is reduced in the crimp region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the crimp connection from the system. Instead of crimping the guidewire to the capsule, it uses a mechanical retention mechanism where the guidewire is inserted into the capsule and secured by an internal retention structure (such as a retention groove, snap-fit, or interlocking feature), maintaining connection security while preserving guidewire flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary retention structure within the capsule that secures the guidewire without crimping. This intermediary feature (such as a retention groove, snap-fit mechanism, or interlocking structure) provides secure connection while allowing the guidewire to maintain its flexibility for navigation through curved catheters.
3Ease of operation
If the guidewire is made more flexible to improve navigation through curved catheters, then maneuverability is enhanced, but mechanical stability and resistance to deformation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the guidewire structure into different regions with different flexibility characteristics. The distal portion (tip) is made more flexible to enable navigation through curved catheters, while the proximal portion maintains higher stiffness for mechanical stability and control. This segmentation allows each region to optimize its properties for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by varying the flexibility properties at different locations of the guidewire. The distal section has enhanced flexibility (through different material composition, diameter, or construction) to navigate curved paths, while the proximal section maintains structural rigidity for stable connection and control, allowing the system to achieve both maneuverability and mechanical stability simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A source guide apparatus for brachytherapy application, wherein the source guide apparatus is provided with a source capsule, a guidewire for moving the source capsule through a catheter, a mechanical connection between the guidewire and the source capsule, wherein the source guide apparatus is provided with a sleeve which is attached on the capsule, wherein the sleeve envelops at least a part of the mechanical connection.