Catheter Joint Clamping Without Heat Shrink Tubing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for joining catheter components using heat shrink tubing are cumbersome, expensive, and result in non-uniform pressure distribution, wall thickness reduction, and risk damage during removal.
Innovation Solution
A clamping tool with an elastic component and clamping elements applies pressure to catheter components, which are then heated simultaneously to join them without heat shrink tubing, using conductive and/or electromagnetic induction for efficient welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heat shrink tubing is used to create joining pressure, then the components can be welded together, but the heat shrink tubing is expensive, single-use, and difficult to apply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the heat shrink tubing mechanical system with a clamping tool that applies joining pressure directly to the catheter components. The clamping tool includes clamping elements that can be positioned to apply pressure at specific locations, eliminating the need for heat shrink tubing and its associated complexities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the heat shrink tubing from the joining process entirely. Instead of using heat shrink tubing to apply pressure, the invention uses a dedicated clamping tool with clamping elements that directly contact and press the components to be joined, removing the intermediate heat shrink tubing layer.
2Force
If heat shrink tubing is heated from outside to shrink and press components, then joining pressure is applied, but the pressure is only applied to extremities of asymmetrical parts, creating non-uniform pressure distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping elements are designed to contact specific local regions of the catheter components, allowing precise control over where joining pressure is applied. This enables uniform pressure distribution across the joining interface, unlike heat shrink tubing which only contacts extremities of asymmetrical parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping tool can be designed with multiple clamping elements that independently apply pressure at different locations. This segmentation allows for precise control of pressure distribution, ensuring uniform contact across the entire joining interface rather than concentrated pressure at extremities only.
3Strength
If heat shrink tubing is used to apply joining pressure, then components are welded together, but wall thickness is reduced at extremities, reducing joining pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping elements are designed to distribute pressure uniformly across the joining interface, preventing localized wall thinning at extremities. By controlling the contact points and pressure distribution, the invention maintains uniform wall thickness throughout the joined components.
4Productivity
If heat shrink tubing is manually peeled off after joining, then the process is complete, but removal is cumbersome and risks damaging joined components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the heat shrink tubing from the process entirely and replaces it with a reusable clamping tool. The clamping tool can be easily removed from the joined components without the need for manual peeling, eliminating the risk of damage to the joined components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding single-use heat shrink tubing that must be manually removed, the invention uses a reusable clamping tool that can be recovered and used repeatedly. This eliminates the cumbersome removal process and potential damage risks associated with heat shrink tubing.
5Reliability
If heat shrink tubing cannot be torn along axial direction but cracks transversally, then removal fails, but this creates risk of damaging joined components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the heat shrink tubing from the process entirely and replaces it with a clamping tool designed for reliable removal. The clamping tool's design allows it to be easily detached from the joined components without cracking or causing damage, ensuring reliable removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the problematic heat shrink tubing with a reusable clamping tool. The clamping tool is designed to be durable and reusable, eliminating the need for disposable heat shrink tubing that has unreliable removal characteristics.
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
This method provides a pressure-resistant, atraumatic joint with uniform wall thickness and reduced processing time, eliminating the need for heat shrink tubing and enabling reusability of the clamping tool.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic component includes ferromagnetic particles... The at least two catheter components are heated while applying the joining pressure
Implementation Method 2
The at least one clamping element is pressed against the elastic component thereby applying a joining pressure to at least one of the at least two catheter components
Implementation Method 3
Energy continues to be added until the encased thermoplastics melt and thus the components weld together
Data Source
AI summary
A method for joining at least a first and a second component of a catheter using a clamping tool and heat treatment, without the use of heat shrink tubing. A device for joining at least two catheter components of a catheter includes or consists of: a clamping tool, a heating device, and optionally a cooling device. A (heat shrink tubing-free) catheter or catheter part, preferably a guide wire exit port, can be obtained by joining of at least two catheter components of the catheter by using the device or and/or the method.