Endovascular Gripper Compression Mechanism Shear Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grippers for endovascular systems are limited in their ability to accommodate a variety of elongated members, such as catheters and guide wires, and often subject these devices to excessive shear stress, leading to reduced lifespan and potential breakage.
Innovation Solution
A gripper design featuring a first and second gripping component that contact the elongated member on opposite sides, with a guide and actuating component allowing the second gripping component to move between positions, applying compressive force for secure gripping without shear stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing grippers use shear stress to grip the elongated member, then the elongated member can be held in place, but excess stress loads and forces are placed upon the elongated member, reducing its lifetime and possibly leading to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional gripping approach by using compression force instead of shear stress. The first and second gripping components move toward each other to compress the elongated member between them, rather than using lateral friction or clamping forces. This fundamental reversal of the gripping mechanism eliminates harmful shear stresses while maintaining secure holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional shear-based mechanical gripping system with a compression-based mechanical system. By substituting the force application method from lateral shear to axial compression, the design achieves reliable gripping without subjecting the elongated member to damaging stress concentrations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing grippers are designed for specific elongated members, then they can provide secure gripping, but they are only suitable for a very selected number of elongated members from the range that endovascular specialists use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a gripping mechanism that can accommodate multiple types of elongated members (catheters, guide wires, etc.) through a standardized compression-based approach. The first and second gripping components are configured to work together in a universal manner that adapts to different elongated member geometries while maintaining reliable gripping through compression force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamics by allowing the gripping components to move relative to each other along the longitudinal axis. The first gripping component remains stationary while the second gripping component moves toward or away from it, enabling dynamic adjustment of the gripping force and accommodation of different elongated member sizes and types while maintaining secure gripping through controlled compression.
Data Source
AI summary
A gripper (100) for gripping an elongated member (6) of an endovascular system (300), wherein the gripper (100) comprises: a first gripping component (2) configured to contact at least a first portion of a said elongated member (6) on a first side of said elongated member (6): a second gripping component (3) configured to contact at least the first portion of said elongated member (6) on a second side of said elongated member (6), wherein the first side is different from the second side: a guide (1) configured to guide, during a movement of the second gripping component (3), at least a first portion of the second gripping component (3); and an actuating component (5) coupled to the second gripping component (3), wherein the second gripping component (3) is moveable between a first position and a second position based on an actuating force provided to the second gripping component (3) via the actuating component (5), and wherein at least the first portion of the second gripping component (3) is guideable by the guide (1) during movement of the second gripping component (3) between the first position and the second position; wherein the first gripping component (2) is configured to stay stationary or substantially stationary with respect to the guide (1), wherein the second gripping component (3) comprises a first surface opposite to a first surface of the first gripping component (2), wherein, when the second gripping component (3) is in the first position, said elongated member (6) is grippable between the first surface of the first gripping component (2) and the first surface of the second gripping component (3), and wherein, when the second gripping component (3) is in the second position, said elongated member (6) is not grippable between the first surface of the first gripping component (2) and the first surface of the second gripping component (3).