Catheter Capsule Core Tabs for Stable Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter devices used to transport and release implants in body lumens face issues with inhomogeneous bending and increased stiffness due to rigid connections, leading to unfavorable mechanical stability and longer overall lengths.
Innovation Solution
A catheter device with an outer shaft and implant capsule featuring a tubular capsule core with protruding tabs for secure fixation to the outer shaft, utilizing an elastic or viscoelastic polymer material and a connector with dovetail-shaped recesses for precise prestress and play-free insertion, reducing the rigid portion and overall length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive bonding or injection moulding is used to connect the implant capsule to the outer shaft, then the connection is secure and stable, but the overall length increases and the catheter bending becomes inhomogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into discrete tabs attached to the capsule core, which engage with corresponding features on the outer shaft. This segmentation allows for a more compact connection compared to traditional adhesive bonding or injection molding, reducing the overall length while maintaining connection stability through distributed attachment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs are integrated into the capsule core structure in a nested manner, where the tabs form an integral part of the capsule assembly rather than being separate components. This nesting eliminates the need for additional connection hardware and reduces the overall catheter length while maintaining secure attachment through the tab-to-shaft engagement.
2Reliability
If rigid connection methods like adhesive bonding are used, then the connection is strong and stable, but the catheter stiffness increases unfavorably
Solution Approach 1:
The connection allows for controlled movement and flexibility through the tab engagement mechanism. The tabs can deform or flex under load, providing a dynamic connection that maintains stability while accommodating catheter bending, thereby reducing overall catheter stiffness compared to rigid adhesive bonds.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab structure functions as a flexible connection element that can bend and deform elastically. This flexibility allows the connection to accommodate catheter curvature without transmitting excessive stiffness, while still providing sufficient holding strength through the tab-to-shaft engagement geometry.
3Reliability
If traditional connection methods are used, then the connection is secure, but the catheter bending form becomes inhomogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is designed with local flexibility at the tab engagement points, allowing different sections of the catheter to bend independently. This local quality variation enables homogeneous bending distribution along the catheter length, preventing stress concentrations that would occur with rigid connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab connection provides dynamic flexibility that allows the catheter to adapt its bending form uniformly along its length. The tabs can rotate or flex to accommodate bending moments, distributing stress evenly and creating a homogeneous bending form rather than the localized stress concentrations produced by rigid adhesive bonds.
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter device for transporting an implant to a target location in a body lumen and also for releasing the implant at the target location. The device includes an outer shaft configured to transport the implant to the target location, and an implant capsule configured to receive the implant. The implant capsule has a tubular capsule core, which surrounds the implant prior to the release. The capsule core, at a proximal end of the capsule core, has a plurality of tabs for fixing the capsule core to the outer shaft, which tabs protrude from a tubular portion of the capsule core along an axial direction of the capsule core.