Catheter Handle Stabilizer With Spring Clamp Auto-Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical device stabilizing systems require manual adjustment and locking, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient during prolonged transcatheter procedures.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizing apparatus with a passive locking mechanism, featuring a housing with an aperture for receiving a medical device, an engagement member, and a biasing element that passively clamps the device, allowing for precise control without the need for continuous manual adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual locking mechanism is used to secure the catheter handle, then the catheter handle can be secured during the procedure, but the process of adjusting and re-securing the handle is time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing apparatus employs a spring-loaded clamp that automatically engages with the catheter handle when the door is closed, eliminating the need for manual locking operations. The spring mechanism self-adjusts to secure the handle firmly in place without requiring operator intervention for locking or unlocking actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is pre-positioned and spring-loaded within the housing, ready to engage the catheter handle immediately when the door closes. This preliminary positioning ensures that the locking action occurs automatically as part of the door closure sequence, rather than requiring a separate manual locking step after the handle is inserted.
2Reliability
If a clamp mechanism is used to secure the catheter handle, then the handle can be held in position, but the operator must actively engage and disengage the locking device which is inconvenient during prolonged procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded clamp automatically engages and disengages the catheter handle through the door's closing and opening motions. The operator simply opens the door to release the handle and closes the door to secure it, eliminating the need to manually operate a separate locking mechanism throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanism transitions from a static manual lock to a dynamic spring-loaded system that automatically adapts to the catheter handle's position. The spring provides continuous pressure to maintain secure engagement while allowing for easy release when the door is opened, creating a more flexible and operator-friendly system.
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 apparatus provides stable and precise positioning of medical devices during procedures, reducing operator fatigue and increasing efficiency by allowing for passive engagement and adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing element urges the engagement member against a surface of the medical device when the medical device is placed in the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A stabilizing unit for a medical device includes a base member, a housing, a stabilizing fork, one or more springs, and a retaining arm. The housing has a lower housing portion and an upper housing portion connected to the lower housing portion. The lower housing portion is disposed in a laterally extending slot of the base member. The stabilizing fork is disposed in the upper housing portion. The one or more springs extend into the stabilizing fork. The retaining arm is slidably coupled to the upper housing portion. The retaining arm retains the stabilizing fork in the upper housing portion.