Deflectable Insertion Tool With Interlocking Ribs for Bent-Tip Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
ENT physicians face challenges with existing insertion instruments that are cumbersome to maneuver and lack rigidity when bent, making it difficult to apply necessary forces during procedures like inserting a balloon into sinus cavities.
Innovation Solution
A reusable insertion instrument with a flexible portion featuring a spine and circumferentially extending ribs, axially spaced with wedge-shaped openings and interlocking projections and recesses, allowing for adjustable deflection while maintaining rigidity and enabling sideways or normal force application without collapsing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible tip is used to allow insertion in curved passages, then adaptability is improved, but rigidity deteriorates making it difficult to apply force
Solution Approach 1:
The distal end of the tube is segmented into multiple ribs spaced apart by wedge-shaped openings, creating a flexible yet structured configuration that can bend while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The tube incorporates a superelastic material (Nitinol) that provides both flexibility for bending and rigidity when needed, combining properties of different materials in a single component
2Ease of operation
If the distal end is made flexible to articulate during insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but stability deteriorates causing the tip to shift or collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The distal end is designed to be dynamically flexible during insertion but becomes stable when force is applied, allowing the ribs to articulate during bending while maintaining structural support when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge-shaped openings and rib structure are pre-configured to provide controlled flexibility, allowing the distal end to naturally articulate during insertion while maintaining stability when force is required
3Device complexity
If a single tool is used for multiple sinus cavity access points, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates making it difficult to reach specific sites
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion instrument is designed as a universal tool that can access multiple sinus cavity entry points by deflecting the distal end to different angles, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools while maintaining precise access to each cavity
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
The instrument allows for precise and stable insertion into curved passages, preventing the distal end from shifting and minimizing the risk of balloon tearing, while maintaining rigidity to apply necessary forces during ENT procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the end tube is formed of a superelastic material which allows for repeated use of the insertion instrument. In a preferred application, the end tube is made of Nitinol
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion instrument is provided including a tube having a proximal end adapted to be gripped by a user and a distal end adapted for insertion. A tip control actuator is located at the proximal end, and the distal end of the tube includes a flexible portion. This flexible portion includes a spine and a plurality of circumferentially extending ribs extending from the spine. The ribs are axially spaced apart from a distal tip toward the proximal end, with the ribs being spaced apart by wedge shaped partial circumferential openings. The ribs have first and second axial sides defined by the wedge-shaped openings, with the first axial side of one of the ribs facing the second axial side of an adjacent one of the ribs. For each of the ribs, at least one of the first or second axial sides includes at least one of an axially extending projection or a recess and a facing one of the at least one of the first or second axial sides of an adjacent one of the ribs includes at least one of a complementary mating recess or a corresponding axial projection. At least one tension wire extends from the tip control actuator to the distal tip.