Gearless Cannulated Motor Assembly for Rotational Atherectomy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotational atherectomy devices with geared designs are cumbersome, costly, and prone to vibration and noise due to the inclusion of gears, which increase material and assembly costs, weight, and space requirements, while also contributing to inefficiencies in treating occlusions in arteries.
Innovation Solution
A gearless motor system that allows bi-directional rotation of a motor drive shaft, eliminating the need for gears by using a brushless electric motor capable of high-speed rotation, enabling direct passage of a guidewire and connection to a torqueable flexible shaft for efficient occlusion treatment without the drawbacks of traditional geared systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If gears are added to achieve high-speed rotation, then rotational speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gear system with an electrical speed control mechanism. A brushless direct current (BLDC) motor with electronic commutation and feedback control achieves the required high rotational speeds without mechanical gears, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining speed performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical gear ratios to electrical parameters (voltage, current, frequency) to control rotational speed. By using pulse width modulation (PWM) and feedback control circuits, the system achieves variable high-speed rotation through electrical parameter adjustment rather than mechanical gear changes.
2Speed
If gears are added to achieve high-speed rotation, then rotational speed is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates heavy mechanical gears by substituting them with a lightweight BLDC motor system. The electronic commutation and control circuitry weigh significantly less than equivalent gear assemblies, reducing overall device weight while achieving the same high-speed rotational output.
3Speed
If gears are added to achieve high-speed rotation, then rotational speed is improved, but vibration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gear system with an electric motor system that inherently produces less vibration. The BLDC motor with electronic commutation provides smoother operation without the mechanical impacts and vibrations associated with gear engagement, reducing harmful vibrations while maintaining high rotational speed.
4Speed
If gears are added to achieve high-speed rotation, then rotational speed is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical gear manufacturing and assembly with electric motor manufacturing. The BLDC motor with integrated electronic control requires fewer precision-machined parts and assembly steps, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while achieving the required high-speed performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the gear subsystem from the design, eliminating the associated manufacturing costs for gear teeth, gear housing, lubrication systems, and gear assembly procedures. The high-speed rotation function is achieved through the electric motor alone, reducing overall manufacturing cost.
5Speed
If gears are added to achieve high-speed rotation, then rotational speed is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the space-consuming gear assembly with a compact BLDC motor. The electric motor with integrated electronic commutation requires significantly less volume than an equivalent gear system, reducing space requirements while maintaining the ability to achieve high rotational speeds.
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 gearless motor system reduces costs, assembly complexity, vibration, noise, weight, and space requirements, while providing a more efficient and effective means to treat occlusions in arteries by eliminating the need for gears and enhancing the operational flexibility of rotational accessories.
Implementation Method 1
brushless electric motor capable of high-speed rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A gearless rotational motor comprising a motor drive shaft adapted to be rotated by the gearless rotational motor, the motor drive shaft having a lumen, a proximal end extending proximally from the motor and a distal end extending distally away from the motor. The distal end adapted to connect with a torqueable flexible shaft whereby rotation of the motor drive shaft also rotates the torqueable flexible shaft.