Releasable Catheter-Dilator Coupling for Consistent Retention Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional coupling mechanisms for medical devices like introducers and sheaths degrade over time, leading to inconsistent retention force, insufficient tactile feedback, and generation of debris, making it difficult to maintain proper positioning and alignment during procedures.

Innovation Solution

A flexible coupling mechanism with a releasable design using a flexible coupling member and engagement members that provide uniform insertion and removal forces, along with tactile and visual indicia for orientation, ensuring consistent coupling and decoupling of medical devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional coupling mechanisms are used for multiple uses, then the devices can be coupled and decoupled, but the retention force degrades and becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention forceVSAvoidnumber of uses

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state and material properties of the coupling mechanism by using a shape memory alloy that undergoes phase transitions between austenite and martensite states. This allows the coupling mechanism to maintain consistent retention force across multiple uses through reversible structural transformation rather than gradual degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs shape memory alloy, a composite material with unique properties that combine elastic deformation with phase transition. This material enables the coupling mechanism to recover its original shape and retention force after each use cycle, preventing the degradation seen in conventional materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If conventional coupling mechanisms are used, then coupling can be achieved, but tactile feedback becomes inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile feedback consistencyVSAvoidnumber of uses

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The shape memory alloy undergoes controlled phase transitions that produce consistent tactile feedback during coupling and decoupling operations. The austenite-martensite transformation provides predictable force resistance and tactile cues that remain consistent across multiple uses, unlike conventional materials that degrade.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If conventional coupling mechanisms are used repeatedly, then coupling operations can be performed, but debris is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of coupling operationsVSAvoiddebris generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shape memory alloy's reversible phase transition mechanism allows the coupling mechanism to maintain structural integrity through repeated operations without generating debris. The material transforms between austenite and martensite states without permanent deformation or particle generation, enabling high productivity without contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Force

If conventional coupling mechanisms are used, then insertion and removal forces can be applied, but force uniformity cannot be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion and removal force uniformityVSAvoidnumber of uses

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The shape memory alloy's phase transition properties enable consistent force characteristics during insertion and removal operations. The material's reversible transformation between austenite and martensite states provides uniform force resistance that does not degrade with repeated use, maintaining force uniformity throughout the device lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 mechanism provides stable, consistent coupling and decoupling of medical devices, maintaining proper alignment and reducing debris generation, while offering uniform tactile feedback and retention force throughout multiple uses.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible coupling member with engagement members that deflect radially to securely connect and disconnect medical devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12623066B2Coupling mechanisms for medical devices

Publication Date: 2026.05.12 BOSTON SCI MEDICAL DEVICE LTD

AI summary

A releasable coupling mechanism for coupling a delivery catheter and a dilator. The delivery catheter comprising a first mating member at the proximal end and the dilator comprising a second mating member at the proximal end. The proximal end of the first mating member comprises a first coupling means for releasably receiving a second coupling means which is positioned at a distal end of the second mating member. The first coupling means comprising a coupling member the coupling member comprising a pair of engagement members positioned on opposing sides of the coupling member and configured to releasably engage the second coupling means. The first mating member further comprising at least one indicia perpendicular from the pair of engagement members. The indicia indicate an orientation of the first mating member such that the second mating member disengages from the coupling member by simultaneously deflecting the pair of engagement members.