Catheter Steering Locking Mechanism for Independent Deflection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking mechanisms for steerable catheters and endoscopes require simultaneous operation of both control knobs, lacking the ability to independently lock one knob while allowing the other to make small positional adjustments, which limits operator control during navigation.
Innovation Solution
A steering system with independently movable lock members for each steering wire, allowing selective locking of one direction of deflection while maintaining flexibility in another direction, using cam and brake mechanisms to arrest or partially arrest the movement of drive members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single locking lever is used to simultaneously arrest both control knobs, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the operator cannot independently adjust one direction while locking the other
Solution Approach 1:
The single locking lever is divided into two separate locking levers, one for each control knob. This segmentation allows independent operation of each locking mechanism, enabling the operator to lock one steering direction while leaving the other free for adjustment, thereby resolving the contradiction between operational independence and device simplicity.
2Reliability
If both control knobs must be unlocked to allow movement, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the operator loses control during navigation
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the locking mechanisms into independent units, each control knob can be locked or unlocked independently. This allows the operator to maintain stable control in one direction while making adjustments in another, improving reliability without creating complex interdependence between locking mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the elongated shaft is made stiff to maintain straight condition, then the shaft is easy to control, but the shaft cannot be deflected easily
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated shaft is designed with non-uniform flexibility - the proximal portion is stiff for easy control and positioning, while the distal portion is flexible for deflection and navigation. This local differentiation of mechanical properties allows the shaft to simultaneously satisfy the requirements of easy control and flexible deflection without adding complex mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A steerable device, such as a steerable catheter, may include a control handle and an insertion shaft extending outwardly therefrom. In use, the insertion shaft is navigated to an area of interest for examination and/or treatment thereof. The steerable device may include a steering system that controls the deflection angle of the distal end of the insertion shaft in two or more non-planar directions for navigating the insertion shaft to the area of interest. The steering system may also include a locking mechanism for arresting or partially arresting the movement of the distal end of the insertion shaft in a first direction independent of arresting or partially arresting the movement of the distal end in a second non-planar direction.