Electronic Drive Handle Assembly for Multi-Plane Medical Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices require uncomfortable handle rotation during procedures, leading to user fatigue and potential patient risks.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a handle featuring a first electronic drive assembly for rotating the middle and distal portions relative to the proximal portion about a first axis, and a second electronic drive assembly for articulating the shaft about a second axis, utilizing stepper motors, gear trains, and actuators to facilitate smooth steering in multiple planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional steering mechanisms are used, then the device can be steered, but the user experiences fatigue and discomfort from extensive handle rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical handle rotation with electronic drive assemblies that use motors to rotate the shaft and articulation mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for extensive manual handle rotation, thereby improving user comfort while maintaining steering functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electronic drive assemblies as intermediary components between the user input (actuators) and the shaft rotation. These drive assemblies include motors, gear trains, and pulleys that mediate the transformation of user input into precise shaft articulation, reducing the direct mechanical burden on the user.
2Reliability
If traditional handle rotation is used, then steering is achieved, but patient safety is compromised due to user fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual handle rotation with electronic drive assemblies that provide controlled, precise shaft articulation. This substitution reduces user fatigue and improves patient safety by eliminating the need for extensive manual manipulation during procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through actuators and electronic control systems that monitor and adjust shaft articulation in real-time. This feedback ensures precise control and prevents excessive rotation, thereby improving patient safety while reducing the operational burden on the user.
3Measurement precision
If electronic drive assemblies with multiple components are used, then steering precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the handle into multiple segments (proximal portion, middle portion, distal portion) with separate electronic drive assemblies for different articulation functions. This segmentation allows independent control of shaft rotation and articulation, improving precision while modularizing the complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the electronic drive assemblies to perform multiple functions within a compact structure. The first drive assembly handles shaft rotation while the second handles articulation, and both are integrated into the handle system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device architecture.
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 comfortable and precise steering of medical devices without requiring extensive handle rotation, reducing user fatigue and minimizing patient risk during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a first electronic drive assembly disposed within the proximal portion of the handle, and a second electronic drive assembly disposed within the middle portion of the handle. The first electronic drive assembly may be configured to drive rotation of the middle portion and the distal portion relative to the proximal portion about a first axis
Implementation Method 2
The second electronic drive assembly may be coupled to the articulation mechanism by a gear train. The gear train may include a worm gear and a spur gear
Implementation Method 3
The articulation mechanism may include a cam having a plurality of teeth configured to engage the gear train
Data Source
AI summary
Medical devices, systems, and related methods useful for facilitating navigation through patient anatomy during a medical procedure are described. The medical device may include a handle including a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a middle portion between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The distal portion may be detachable from the middle portion by complementary mating elements. An articulation mechanism may be disposed within the distal portion of the handle, and configured to control articulation of a shaft coupled to the handle. A first electronic drive assembly may be configured to drive rotation of the middle portion and the distal portion relative to the proximal portion about a first axis. A second electronic drive assembly may be configured to drive rotation of the articulation mechanism about a second axis different from the first axis.