Frictional Components for Torque Transmission in Medical Drive Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive medical devices, such as those using high frequency ultrasound and optical imaging, face challenges with non-uniform rotational distortion (NURD) due to variations in friction and inertia along the rotational drive shaft, leading to image distortion and reduced accuracy in 3D scanning and co-registration of images.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating frictional components at the distal end of the rotational drive shaft within the catheter sheath to increase torsional load and reduce NURD by maintaining a uniform frictional contact with the sheath, thereby improving the accuracy of rotational velocity estimation and image reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a rotational drive shaft is used to transmit torque to the imaging device, then the imaging device can be rotated for scanning, but non-uniform rotational distortion occurs due to variations in friction and inertia along the shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the actual rotational velocity at the distal end of the drive shaft and feeds this information back to a controller. The controller then adjusts the proximal rotation to compensate for friction and inertia variations, ensuring uniform rotational velocity throughout the shaft and eliminating NURD artifacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical coupling with a control system that uses feedback signals to adjust rotational motion. Instead of relying solely on mechanical torque transmission, the system uses electronic control to maintain uniform rotational velocity, substituting mechanical precision with controlled feedback adjustment.
2Length of moving object
If the drive shaft is made longer to reach deeper anatomical structures, then imaging depth is improved, but torque transmission accuracy deteriorates due to increased friction and inertia variations
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism continuously monitors rotational velocity at the distal end of the drive shaft and adjusts proximal rotation accordingly. This allows the system to maintain accurate rotational control even with longer drive shafts, as the feedback loop compensates for increased friction and inertia variations that occur with greater length.
3Measurement precision
If frictional components are added to improve torque transmission, then rotational velocity uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical friction-reduction mechanisms with a simpler feedback control system. Instead of using elaborate mechanical arrangements to minimize friction, the system uses electronic sensors and controllers to detect and correct rotational velocity variations, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precision.
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 effectively minimizes NURD, enhancing the geometric accuracy of images and improving the co-registration of multiple imaging modalities, such as ultrasound and optical coherence tomography, by maintaining consistent rotational velocity and reducing vibrations along the drive shaft.
Implementation Method 1
one or more frictional components mounted in said elongate hollow sheath located generally in said distal end portion and bearing radially outwards to be in frictional contact with an inner surface of said elongate hollow sheath
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides minimally invasive imaging probe/medical device having a frictional element integrated therewith for reducing non-uniform rotational distortion near the distal end of a medical device, such as an imaging probe which undergoes rational movement during scanning of surrounding tissue in bodily lumens and cavities.