Control Handle Locking Mechanism for Medical Device Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control handles for delivery systems used in implanting medical devices lack improved ergonomics and precise handling, leading to potential unintended releasing of the medical device during implantation procedures.

Innovation Solution

A control handle with a locking mechanism that can be switched between locked and unlocked configurations, preventing unintended displacement of the mandrel beyond a predetermined abutment position, thereby ensuring controlled release of the medical device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unintended mandrel displacement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of unintended device releaseVSAvoidcontrol handle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary component between the operator and the mandrel displacement control. It introduces a deliberate intermediate step (locking/unlocking action) that prevents direct or accidental mandrel movement, thereby enhancing reliability while adding a controlled level of complexity to the system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is engaged in advance before mandrel displacement is intended. This preliminary locking action ensures that the mandrel cannot be accidentally displaced during critical phases of the implantation procedure, and the operator must consciously decide to unlock it before proceeding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If the control handle provides precise handling control, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemandrel position controlVSAvoidcontrol handle operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control handle transitions between two distinct dynamic states: locked and unlocked. In the locked state, the system provides rigid, precise position control preventing any unintended mandrel movement. In the unlocked state, the system becomes more compliant and easier to operate for intentional displacement. This dynamic switching allows the system to provide both precision and ease of operation at different times in the procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250195839A1Control handle with a locking mechanism for controlling functions of a delivery system for implanting a medical device

Publication Date: 2025.06.19 BIOTRONIK SE & CO KG

AI summary

A control handle for controlling functions of a delivery system for implanting a medical device is described. The delivery system comprises an elongate delivery catheter and a mandrel being displaceable longitudinally relative to the delivery catheter. The control handle comprises a locking mechanism and a handle housing. The locking mechanism is configured for being switchable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration such that, in the locked configuration, the mandrel is fixed relative to the locking mechanism such that the mandrel is not displaceable relative to the locking mechanism beyond a predetermined abutment position due to a mechanical mandrel abutment blockage, whereas, in the unlocked configuration, the mandrel is movable in the longitudinal direction relative to the locking mechanism beyond the predetermined abutment position due to the mandrel abutment blockage being released.