Flexible Inner Member Convoluted Cut Torque Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing angled rotary tissue cutting instruments face challenges in minimizing external diameter, maximizing internal diameter, and maintaining structural simplicity and strength in their flexible inner members to effectively transmit torque and aspirate tissue while avoiding operational issues and high material costs.
Innovation Solution
A flexible inner member with a convoluted or vortical cut in the tubular body, which extends through the wall thickness and includes alternating convoluted path areas and connecting segments, providing necessary rigidity and torsional strength without additional structural components, allowing for efficient torque transmission and aspiration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional flexible regions with multiple concentric spirals or coils are used, then flexibility is achieved, but the external diameter increases and internal diameter decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible region is segmented into multiple discrete flexure elements arranged in series along the longitudinal axis, where each flexure element comprises a localized cut pattern in the tubular wall that allows independent bending motion, enabling flexibility without requiring substantial radial thickness
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible region transitions from a radial stacking approach (multiple concentric spirals adding to external diameter) to a longitudinal sequencing approach (flexure elements arranged end-to-end along the length), moving the flexibility mechanism from the radial dimension to the longitudinal dimension
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional flexible regions with multiple structural components are used, then flexibility is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flexure elements are merged into a single monolithic tubular body formed from one continuous piece of material, eliminating the need for separate components and assembly operations while maintaining the segmented flexibility mechanism within the unified structure
Solution Approach 2:
The single tubular body structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural framework, contains the flexible region through integrated cut patterns, enables torque transmission, and allows bending accommodation, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized components
3Area of stationary object
If the external diameter of the outer member is minimized, then easier introduction through small entry openings is achieved, but the internal diameter of the inner member must be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The inner member is segmented into rigid sections and flexible regions with localized cut patterns, allowing the flexible regions to bend and conform to angled configurations without requiring increased outer diameter, thereby preserving internal diameter space
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible regions utilize thin-walled tubular sections with strategic cut patterns that provide sufficient flexibility for bending while maintaining minimal radial thickness, allowing the inner member to navigate angled paths without increasing the overall external diameter of the assembly
4Strength
If additional structural components are added to the flexible region, then torque transmission strength is improved, but material costs and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cut patterns in the flexible region are strategically designed with varying geometries and orientations in different longitudinal sections, creating localized areas of enhanced torsional rigidity where needed while maintaining flexibility in other areas, all within the single tubular body structure
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular body in the flexible region incorporates a composite structure with circumferential and longitudinal reinforcement elements integrated into the wall, providing enhanced torque transmission capability through the combination of different structural features within the monolithic component
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible inner member for rotation within an angled outer tubular member of a rotary tissue cutting instrument to cut anatomical tissue includes a flexible region for conforming to the configuration of an angled region of the outer tubular member. The flexible region comprises a cut having convoluted path areas formed through a cylindrical wall of a tubular body of the inner member. The convoluted path areas are rotationally spaced on the tubular body in alternating sequence with connecting path segments of the cut. The cut follows a convoluted path in the convoluted path areas forming the wall of the tubular body into a pair of complementary, mating hook formations of opposed curvature. The connecting path segments extend rotationally along the tubular body between the convoluted path areas.