Gradient Joining Section for Dissimilar Wire Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Joining dissimilar materials, particularly for small-diameter intravascular guidewires, is challenging due to material compatibility issues, which affects the stiffness and flexibility required for navigation through the vasculature.
Innovation Solution
A joining section is formed using a gradient of materials, such as stainless steel and nickel-titanium, via three-dimensional screen printing or electrodeposition, ensuring compatibility and weldability between sections, allowing for a seamless transition in stiffness and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dissimilar materials are joined together to achieve desired stiffness and flexibility, then the guidewire can be optimized for navigation through vasculature, but material compatibility issues arise that compromise the reliability of the connection
Solution Approach 1:
The joining section incorporates a material gradient where different regions have different material compositions. The first end has material compatible with the first wire segment for reliable joining, while the second end has material compatible with the second wire segment, allowing each region to be optimized for its specific joining requirement while maintaining overall connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The joining section is formed as a composite structure with a gradient of materials transitioning from the first material at the first end to the second material at the second end. This composite approach allows the integration of dissimilar materials while maintaining material compatibility at each interface, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If sections of small-diameter wire are joined together to form multi-section guidewires, then the guidewire can achieve complex functionality, but the joining process becomes increasingly difficult due to small diameter constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The joining section has locally optimized material properties at each end, with the first end configured for compatibility with the first wire segment and the second end configured for compatibility with the second wire segment. This local optimization enables reliable joining of small-diameter sections while maintaining the overall small diameter required for intravascular use
Solution Approach 2:
The material composition parameter is changed gradually through the gradient in the joining section, transitioning from the first material to the second material. This parameter change enables seamless integration of dissimilar small-diameter wire sections while maintaining manufacturability and connection reliability
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 enables the creation of guidewires with a consistent and reliable connection between dissimilar materials, enhancing pushability and trackability while maintaining structural integrity under varying diameters and torque conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A joining section is formed using a gradient of materials, such as stainless steel and nickel-titanium, via three-dimensional screen printing or electrodeposition
Data Source
AI summary
A wire includes a first wire section is of a first material and a second wire section is of a second material different from the first material. A joining section is adjacent both the first and second wire sections, the joining section comprising a first end and a second end. The first end of the joining section is of a material that is compatible with the first material of the first wire section and the second end of the joining section is of a material that is compatible with the second material of the second wire section.