Wire-Steered Catheter Actuating Assembly for Precise Wire Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible catheter steering devices are difficult to assemble, require precise tensioning of steering wires, and are often large and expensive, making them inconvenient to use.
Innovation Solution
An actuating assembly with rotatable wheels and an axle system that allows for easy assembly and precise tensioning of steering wires, featuring a wheel mounting and actuating configuration, and includes mechanisms for locking and biasing to ensure proper wire tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional wire steering mechanisms are used, then steering function is achieved, but assembly difficulty increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering mechanism is divided into modular components: wheels that can be independently mounted or dismounted from the axle, wire attachment mechanisms, and tensioning systems. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately and assembled easily, reducing overall assembly difficulty while maintaining steering functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel mounting system transitions from a fixed complex assembly to a dynamic configuration where wheels can be selectively mounted or dismounted from the axle. This dynamic mounting capability simplifies assembly and disassembly processes, making the device easier to manufacture and maintain without compromising steering performance.
2Manufacturing precision
If proper wire tension is achieved, then steering precision is improved, but assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wire attachment mechanism is designed to pre-establish proper tensioning during the assembly process. The wheel and wire attachment system includes features that automatically guide the wire onto the wheel and apply appropriate tension before final assembly completion, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly tensioning adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire tensioning system is designed to self-regulate and self-adjust during assembly. As the wheel is mounted onto the axle and the wire is routed through the attachment mechanism, the system automatically achieves the required tension through its mechanical design, without requiring external tools or complex adjustment procedures.
3Ease of operation
If wheel mounting configuration allows independent rotation, then wire tensioning is facilitated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel mounting system is segmented into distinct functional zones: a mounting interface that allows independent wheel rotation for tensioning, and a locked interface that couples the wheel to the axle for actuation. This segmentation enables simple independent rotation during assembly while maintaining overall system integrity, without requiring complex mechanisms.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional catheter steering devices are used, then steering function is achieved, but device size increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into compact integrated components. The wheel serves both as a rotation element for steering and as a wire attachment mechanism. The axle integrates both support and actuation functions. This merging reduces the overall device volume and eliminates the need for separate components, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining steering capability.
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 assembly facilitates easy assembly, achieves proper wire tension, and reduces manufacturing costs while eliminating backlash, providing a cost-effective solution for flexible catheter steering.
Implementation Method 1
the first wheel is rotatable about the axle to wind the first steering wire therearound and tension the first steering wire to an operational tension
Implementation Method 2
the axle teeth and first wheel axle engaging teeth engaging each other in the first wheel actuating configuration to force joint rotation about the rotation axis of the axle and first wheel
Data Source
AI summary
An actuating assembly for a wire steered device provided with at least one steering wire. The actuating assembly includes a body for mounting the wire steered device, an axle mounted to the body, a wheel mounted to the axle and including a wire attachment for attaching the steering wire thereto with the steering wire wound around at least part of the wheel, and an actuator for selectively rotating the axle. The wheel is movable between configurations in which the wheel is either rotatable about the axle or fixed in rotation relative to the axle.