Electronic Catheter Actuator for Precision Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical device deployment systems face challenges in navigating narrow body lumens due to the need for multiple mechanical cables, which limits control and positioning accuracy and increases the risk of adverse events such as tissue damage.

Innovation Solution

A deployment system featuring a catheter with a smaller proximal end diameter and an actuator at the distal end connected to electrical connectors that transmit signals for precise control of the medical device, allowing for electronic control and reduced mechanical complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple mechanical cables are used for actuation of the medical device, then the device can be controlled mechanically, but the catheter diameter increases and navigation through narrow body lumens becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical control capabilityVSAvoidcatheter diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical cable actuation systems with electronic actuators and control systems. The catheter incorporates electronic actuators that can be controlled via electrical signals, eliminating the need for multiple mechanical cables extending through the catheter. This substitution reduces the catheter diameter while maintaining actuation capability through electronic control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If multiple cables extend along the entire length of the catheter, then mechanical actuation is possible, but the system complexity increases and control precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation controlVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes complex mechanical cable routing and actuation systems with integrated electronic actuators and control circuits. The electronic system allows for more precise control through electrical signals, reducing mechanical complexity while improving actuation precision and control repeatability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single electronic control system that can manage various actuation tasks through programmable controllers. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple dedicated mechanical cable systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive actuation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If mechanical cable systems are used for device deployment, then the system structure is simple, but positioning accuracy and repeatability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical cable-based positioning systems with electronic actuators that can achieve higher positioning accuracy through precise electrical control. The electronic system enables repeatable positioning by programming control algorithms, overcoming the limitations of mechanical systems while maintaining manageable structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This system enables more precise and controlled deployment of medical devices with reduced risk of tissue damage, improved navigation through complex anatomies, and enhanced overall control and repeatability of medical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

An actuator may be disposed at the distal end of the catheter and operatively connected to electrical connectors extending longitudinally along the catheter from the proximal end to the actuator. The electrical connectors may be configured for transmission of signals to the actuator.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical signal transmission: Conduction (electrical)