Deflectable Insertion Tube With Interlocking Ribs for Rigid Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical insertion instruments for ENT procedures, such as those used in sinus treatments, lack a reusable and adjustably deflectable design that remains rigid when bent, making it difficult for physicians to apply necessary forces during procedures like balloon insertion without causing instrument shift or balloon tearing.
Innovation Solution
A tube with a flexible portion featuring a spine and circumferentially extending ribs with wedge-shaped openings and interlocking projections and recesses, allowing for elastic bending and maintaining rigidity through tension wires, enabling precise insertion and force application in curved passages.
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 tip is segmented into multiple ribs that can articulate relative to each other, allowing the tip to bend while maintaining structural integrity. The ribs are connected by interlocking features that enable controlled movement while preserving rigidity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip transitions from a rigid state during force application to a flexible state during navigation. The interlocking features allow dynamic adjustment between rigid and flexible configurations based on procedural needs.
2Ease of operation
If the tip is made flexible for articulation, then ease of operation is improved, but stability deteriorates causing instrument shift
Solution Approach 1:
The tip is divided into segmented ribs that can articulate independently, providing flexibility for navigation while the interlocking features maintain overall structural stability and prevent unwanted shifting.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural parameters of the tip change dynamically - the interlocking features engage to provide stability when force is applied, and disengage to allow articulation when navigation is needed.
3Strength
If a solid tube structure is used to maintain rigidity, then strength is improved, but adaptability deteriorates preventing bending
Solution Approach 1:
The solid tube is segmented into ribs with interlocking features, creating a structure that appears solid for strength but can articulate when needed. The segmentation allows bending capability while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib structure with interlocking features creates a flexible yet strong configuration, allowing the tip to function as both a rigid structure for force application and a flexible structure for navigation.
4Ease of operation
If the tip structure allows bending movement, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates causing balloon tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented rib structure provides articulation capability while the interlocking features ensure smooth movement without sharp edges or irregularities that could tear the balloon.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural parameters of the rib connections are optimized to provide smooth articulation surfaces that maintain reliability during bending movements, preventing balloon damage while enabling navigation.
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 solution provides a reusable, rigid, and adjustable insertion instrument that can withstand sideways or normal forces, preventing instrument shift and balloon tearing, enhancing the efficiency and safety of ENT procedures like sinus cavity expansion.
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 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.
Data Source
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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