Brake Shoe Steering Lock for Low-Force Medical Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steerable medical devices, such as catheters and endoscopes, face issues with user fatigue due to high force requirements for activating braking mechanisms and have excessive internal components that increase production costs and time.
Innovation Solution
A steering system with a braking mechanism featuring a control knob, a braking knob, and a brake shoe member, which includes protrusions that engage radially to apply friction and limit rotation, reducing the force needed and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional braking mechanism is used to arrest the relative deflection of the elongated shaft, then the shaft orientation can be locked, but the user experiences increased fatigue due to the high force required to activate the brake
Solution Approach 1:
The brake shoe is designed to dynamically adjust its braking force based on the rotational position of the braking knob. As the knob rotates, the brake shoe progressively engages with the drive member, increasing friction and braking force until the control knob is fully arrested. This dynamic engagement allows smooth activation without requiring sudden high force, reducing user fatigue while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake shoe acts as an intermediary friction element between the control knob and the drive mechanism. By introducing this friction-based intermediary, the system transforms the braking action from a direct mechanical lock to a controlled friction engagement, allowing gradual force application and reducing the peak force requirement on the user's hand.
2Reliability
If a conventional braking mechanism with multiple internal components is used, then the shaft can be effectively braked, but the number of internal components increases production cost and assembly time
Solution Approach 1:
The brake shoe member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the braking surface that contacts the drive member and the structural element that transmits force to the control knob. The brake shoe also incorporates the engagement geometry that interfaces with the braking knob, eliminating the need for separate brake adjusters, retainers, or mounting brackets found in conventional designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake shoe is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides friction braking, structural support for the control knob assembly, and geometric engagement with the braking knob. This universal component replaces what would traditionally require 3-5 separate parts, reducing assembly steps and production cost while maintaining effective braking functionality.
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
The system reduces user fatigue and lowers production costs by requiring less force to activate braking and minimizing internal components, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The first protrusion may be configured to engage the brake shoe member to move a first arm of the brake shoe member radially outward, relative to the central longitudinal axis, towards a wall of the control knob when the braking knob is rotated in a first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A steering system for a medical device may include a first drive member having a central longitudinal axis; a central shaft extending through the first drive member; a control knob coupled to the first drive member; a braking knob coupled to the central shaft and including a first protrusion; and a brake shoe member coupled to the central shaft between the control knob and the braking knob. The first protrusion may be positioned within a first channel of the brake shoe member; the first protrusion may be configured to engage the brake shoe member to move a first arm of the brake shoe member radially outward towards a wall of the control knob when the braking knob is rotated in a first direction; and the first arm may be configured to move away from the wall when the braking knob is rotated in a second direction.