Deflectable Insertion Shaft With Integrated Bowden Cable Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical device shafts face challenges in accommodating medical tools due to reduced inner diameter caused by couplers for Bowden cables, necessitating adhesive reinforcement, which increases cost and reduces tool reception capability.
Innovation Solution
A system for directly interfacing the articulation section with the flexible section of a medical device shaft without a coupler, using inwardly-projecting walls to anchor Bowden cables and control members, eliminating the need for a separate coupler and adhesive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a coupler is used to attach Bowden cables to the shaft, then the structural integrity and strength are improved, but the inner diameter of the shaft is reduced, limiting tool reception capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coupler and the shaft into a single integrated structure. The coupler is formed as an integral part of the shaft, eliminating the need for a separate coupler component. This integration maintains joint strength while preserving the shaft's inner diameter, as the coupler structure is incorporated directly into the shaft wall rather than being added as a separate element that would reduce the internal passage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support, transmits mechanical forces through integrated control members, and maintains adequate inner diameter for tool passage. The coupler functionality is embedded within the shaft itself, allowing the shaft to simultaneously serve as both the structural element and the coupling mechanism, thereby avoiding the trade-off between strength and inner diameter reduction.
2Strength
If a coupler is used to attach Bowden cables, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to additional components and adhesive reinforcement
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is merged with the shaft to form a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate coupler parts and reduces the number of assembly steps. The control members are directly formed within the shaft structure, removing the need for separate coupling mechanisms and adhesive reinforcement, thereby simplifying both the device structure and manufacturing process while maintaining joint strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the coupler as a separate component and integrates its functionality directly into the shaft structure. By taking out the need for a distinct coupler element and embedding the coupling function within the shaft itself, the design reduces component count and simplifies manufacturing while preserving the mechanical strength required for Bowden cable attachment.
3Ease of manufacture
If the inner diameter is reduced to accommodate a coupler, then the coupler can be installed, but the ability to receive medical tools is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler and shaft are merged into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need to reduce the shaft's inner diameter to accommodate a separate coupler. The control members are formed as integral parts of the shaft wall, allowing the shaft to maintain its full inner diameter for tool passage while still providing the necessary coupling functionality for Bowden cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft structure incorporates localized control member passages directly within the shaft wall thickness, rather than requiring a separate coupler that would occupy internal space. This local integration allows the shaft to maintain adequate inner diameter for tool reception while providing dedicated pathways for control members, thus preserving both ease of manufacture and tool reception capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device includes a shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal portion. The shaft includes a flexible section with at least one inwardly-projecting wall and an articulation section with multiple rotatable segments attached to the distal end of the flexible section. The medical device includes at least one control member that runs through the shaft, and at least one Bowden cable surrounding the control member in the flexible section. The Bowden cable terminates at an inwardly-projecting wall near the distal portion.