Medical Device Connection Member Bushing Friction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices face challenges in reducing frictional forces, particularly in intracorporeal applications where smaller lumen sizes and complex movements are required, leading to increased wear and tear and reduced efficacy.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a connection member with a bushing system that has a larger outer diameter than the connection member, allowing it to translate and rotate within a tubular member while preventing direct contact with the inner surface, thereby reducing friction and enhancing flexibility and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connection member directly contacts the inner surface of the outer catheter, then structural simplicity is maintained, but frictional forces increase and wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bushing as an intermediary component between the connection member and the outer catheter. The bushing has an outer diameter that is larger than the connection member's outer diameter, creating a shielding effect that prevents direct contact between the connection member and the outer catheter's inner surface. This intermediary structure reduces frictional forces and wear on the connection member while maintaining overall device functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the connection member translates and rotates within the outer catheter, then operational flexibility is improved, but frictional forces and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing serves as a mediator that enables the connection member to translate and rotate within the outer catheter while reducing direct contact. The bushing's larger outer diameter creates a protective barrier that minimizes friction during these movements, allowing flexible operation while preserving the durability of the connection member.
3Volume of moving object
If the lumen size is reduced for intracorporeal applications, then device miniaturization is achieved, but frictional forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
In intracorporeal applications where lumen size is reduced, the bushing intermediary becomes particularly valuable. By positioning the bushing between the connection member and outer catheter, the patent reduces frictional forces that would otherwise be amplified in smaller lumens. The bushing's outer diameter is larger than the connection member's outer diameter, creating a protective barrier that minimizes contact and friction in the constrained space.
Data Source
AI summary
An example medical device is disclosed. The example medical device includes an elongate member having proximal end region and a distal end region. The medical device also includes an end effector having a proximal end region and a distal end region. Additionally, the medical device includes a connection member coupled to the distal end region of the elongate member and the proximal end region of the end effector, the connection member having a first outer surface and a first outer diameter. The medical device also includes a first bushing positioned adjacent to the connection member, the first bushing having a second outer surface and a second outer diameter larger than the first outer diameter.