Steerable Catheter Handle Slide Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steerable catheter devices rely on frictional engagement to maintain the steering lever's position, leading to user fatigue and potential cramping during extended use, and lack a reliable mechanism for selective locking of the lever.
Innovation Solution
A transversely movable slide bar with a ramped lower surface is integrated into the steering lever, allowing for easy locking and unlocking by applying a simple transverse force, eliminating the need for substantial longitudinal friction and providing a more positive lock through engagement with the handle housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If frictional engagement is used to maintain steering lever position, then the lever can be held in position without additional locking components, but the user experiences fatigue and cramping during extended use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful frictional engagement mechanism from the lever positioning system and replaces it with a positive locking mechanism. The locking mechanism engages discrete locking surfaces on the lever with corresponding surfaces on the handle, eliminating the need for continuous frictional resistance that causes user fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of lever positioning from friction-based continuous engagement to geometry-based discrete engagement. By using inclined locking surfaces that engage at specific positions, the system transforms the mode of position retention, eliminating the harmful frictional forces during normal operation.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to the steering lever, then the lever can be selectively locked in position, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the locking mechanism directly into the lever assembly itself, rather than adding a separate external locking device. The lever incorporates locking surfaces and engagement features as integral parts of its structure, combining the functions of positioning and locking within a single component system.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding a locking mechanism that acts on the lever from the outside, the invention inverts the approach by having the lever itself provide the locking surfaces and engagement features. The lever's own structure is used to create the locking action, reversing the traditional approach where a separate mechanism would lock the lever.
3Device complexity
If frictional engagement is used to hold the lever, then no additional locking components are needed, but the user must continuously resist friction force to maintain control
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the frictional engagement requirement from the operational phase of lever control. During normal lever manipulation, the positive locking mechanism is disengaged, eliminating frictional resistance. The friction-based retention is replaced by a geometric locking system that only engages when the lever is positioned and locked, not during active control.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates periodically rather than continuously - engaging when the lever is positioned and locked, and disengaging when the lever needs to be moved. This periodic engagement eliminates continuous frictional resistance during lever manipulation while providing secure position retention when locked.
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 design reduces user fatigue by minimizing the need for continuous frictional resistance and offers a reliable locking mechanism that simplifies positional control of the steering lever, enhancing user comfort and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A transversely movable slide bar with a ramped lower surface is integrated into the steering lever, allowing for easy locking and unlocking by applying a simple transverse force
Implementation Method 2
it frictionally engages a top surface of the device handle thereby locking the steering lever in place
Data Source
AI summary
An improved handle for a steerable catheter apparatus steerably manipulated by steering wires or rods, and including an elongated housing having one end thereof adapted for attachment to the proximal end of the steerable catheter; a steering actuator carried by the housing and including an elongated lever pivotally affixed to the housing and rotatable about an axis transverse to both the length of the housing and the length of the lever and further having an end thereof attached to the steering wires or rods of the catheter to cause deformation of at least a portion of the catheter; and a locking mechanism carried by the lever for selectively locking the steering actuator in place relative to the housing during at least a portion of the time of use of the catheter apparatus.