Deflectable Insertion Tube Tip With Interlocking Ribs for Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ENT tools lack a reusable, adjustably deflectable insertion instrument that remains rigid once bent, making it difficult for physicians to apply necessary forces during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A tube-based insertion instrument with a flexible portion featuring a spine and circumferentially extending ribs, which are connected by wedge-shaped partial circumferential openings, allowing for elastic bending and maintaining rigidity through interlocking projections and recesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible tip is used to allow bending in curved passages, then adaptability to curved passages is improved, but rigidity when bent deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is segmented into multiple ribs separated by wedge-shaped partial circumferential openings, allowing the structure to bend flexibly while maintaining overall integrity. The segmentation enables controlled deflection without compromising the structural framework.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple ribs are merged into a unified structure with interlocking projections and recesses, creating a composite framework that combines flexibility for bending with rigidity when deflected. The merged structure allows the ribs to work together to maintain shape stability.
Solution Approach 3:
The insertion instrument transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure that can adapt its shape. The flexible portion allows the tube to change configuration from straight to bent states, providing dynamic adaptability to different passage geometries while maintaining structural control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple angled tools are used to reach different sinus cavities, then access to various sites is improved, but device complexity and procedure time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion instrument is designed as a universal tool that can access multiple sinus cavities through a single device. The flexible tube allows one instrument to perform the function of multiple angled tools by adapting its shape to reach different anatomical sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube transitions from a static multi-tool approach to a dynamic single-tool solution. The ability to bend and deflect allows one instrument to assume multiple orientations and angles, replacing the need for multiple specialized tools.
3Ease of operation
If a flexible tip is used for insertion, then ease of insertion into curved passages is improved, but ability to apply force with the tip deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible ribbed structure merges the properties of flexibility for easy insertion with rigidity for force application. When the tube is deflected into position, the interlocking ribs provide structural support that enables force transmission to the tip.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument dynamically transitions from a flexible state during insertion to a rigid state during operation. Once positioned in the curved passage, the structure stabilizes to provide the necessary mechanical strength for applying force with the tip or side of the instrument.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise and stable insertion and manipulation within curved passages, such as sinus cavities, by maintaining structural integrity and allowing for the application of sideways or normal forces without collapsing or shifting.
Implementation Method 1
At least one tension wire extends from the tip control actuator to the distal tip. This allows a user, by actuating the tip control actuator, to elastically bend/articulate the distal end of the tube
Implementation Method 2
the projections enter or extend further into the recesses during bending of the distal end maintaining a rigid structure, allowing a sideways or normal force to be exerted by the tip
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of producing a bendable tip for an instrument, is provided, which includes: mounting a tube for an instrument in a CNC controlled rotational and axially movable holder of a laser cutting machine, with a distal end of the tube extending form the holder; activating a laser cutter; cutting wedge shaped partial circumferential openings in the tube to define a plurality of radially extending ribs at the distal end of the tube, with the ribs being connected together by an axially extending spine, and the ribs having first and second axial sides; during cutting, forming in each of the ribs in at least one of the first or second axial sides, at least one of an axial projection or a recess, and forming in a facing one of the at least one of the first or second axial sides of an adjacent one of the ribs at least one of a corresponding complementary mating recess or a corresponding axial projection.