Coaxial Guide Wire with Conductive Core and Insulating Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guide wire/sensor assemblies face issues with non-rotational symmetry, risk of short-circuiting due to thin electrical leads, complex assembly processes, and manufacturing complexity, particularly due to the use of concentric layers which can break and cause short-circuits.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial guide wire design with a central core of constant diameter and an insulating layer between the core and the outer tube, manufactured using extrusion or shrinking methods, providing rotational symmetry and reducing manufacturing complexity, while minimizing the risk of short-circuiting through a continuous process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If extremely thin electrical leads are positioned between the inner lumen wall and core wire, then signal and energy transmission is achieved, but the risk of short-circuiting increases due to friction forces and manufacturing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical lead function with the core wire by making the core wire itself electrically conductive. This eliminates the need for separate thin leads positioned between the lumen wall and core, thereby removing the risk of lead damage and short-circuiting while maintaining signal and energy transmission capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the electrical lead function from the vulnerable thin lead configuration and relocates it to the robust core wire structure. By taking out the separate lead elements and integrating their function into the core wire, the design eliminates the reliability issues associated with thin leads exposed to friction and manufacturing stress.
2Shape
If electrical leads are distributed uniformly over the circumference of the core wire, then rotational symmetry is achieved, but the assembly complexity increases due to precise positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical lead function with the core wire structure, eliminating the need for multiple separately positioned leads. This merger achieves rotational symmetry inherently because the core wire is a single, centrally positioned element, thereby avoiding the assembly complexity of precisely distributing multiple leads around the circumference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses asymmetry in the sense of simplifying the structure by having a single central core wire rather than multiple symmetrically distributed leads. This asymmetric approach (one central element vs. multiple distributed elements) actually achieves rotational symmetry in function while reducing assembly complexity.
3Shape
If concentric layers of conducting material with insulation are used, then rotational symmetry is improved, but the risk of layer breakage and short-circuiting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical conduction function into the core wire itself rather than using separate concentric conducting layers. This eliminates the interface between layers and insulation that is prone to breaking and causing short-circuits, while maintaining rotational symmetry through the central positioning of the conductive core wire.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the electrical conduction function from the vulnerable concentric layer structure and relocates it to the more robust core wire. By taking out the separate conducting layers and their insulation, the design eliminates the reliability issues associated with layer breakage while preserving rotational symmetry.
4Adaptability or versatility
If discrete components are used for electrical contacts at the proximal end, then connection flexibility is achieved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical contact function with the core wire by providing a continuous conductive path from the distal sensor through the core wire to the proximal end. This eliminates the need for separate discrete contact components, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining connection flexibility through the integrated conductive structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a measuring device, insertable into a living body. The device includes an elongated flexible member in the form of a thick-walled hollow tube with a proximal end and a distal end. The tube defines a central lumen with an inner wall. The lumen may contain a core and an insulating material provided between the core and the inner wall. The core may be made of an electrically conductive material and may be of essentially constant diameter over its entire length. Alternatively, the lumen may contain at least two electrical leads. An electrical sensor is attached to the distal end of the elongated flexible member and is electrically connected to the core.