Guide Wire Adjustment Screw for Consistent Pull Wire Securing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing pull wires to adjustment mechanisms in steerable delivery devices, such as catheters, are challenging due to the need for skilled operators to perform multiple wraps or welds, which can lead to inconsistencies and difficulties in inspection.
Innovation Solution
The use of a wrapping set screw with a lumen and notches allows the pull wire to be easily secured by passing it through the lumen, bending it through a notch, and rotating it to lie along the roots of the threaded portion of the wrapping set screw, which is then driven into a threaded lumen of a wire wrap housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional methods (multiple wraps or welds) are used to secure pull wires, then the pull wire can be secured to the adjustment mechanism, but the process requires skilled operators and leads to inconsistencies and inspection difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a body portion with a threaded bore, a set screw with a head portion and threaded portion, and a wire wrap portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the assembly process and reducing the skill level required while maintaining consistency in pull wire securing.
Solution Approach 2:
The set screw design enables the pull wire to be self-secured through the interaction between the threaded portion of the set screw and the threaded bore of the body portion. The wire wrap portion automatically forms around the pull wire when the set screw is engaged, eliminating the need for manual wrapping or welding operations and ensuring consistent securing without requiring skilled operators.
2Reliability
If traditional securing methods are used, then the pull wire can be anchored, but the process is time-consuming and reduces manufacturing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The set screw is pre-configured with a head portion, a threaded portion, and an integrated wire wrap portion. The threaded bore in the body portion is pre-formed with appropriate threading. This preliminary preparation of components allows for rapid assembly where the pull wire is simply positioned and the set screw is engaged, significantly reducing assembly time while ensuring reliable attachment through the pre-designed threaded engagement and automatic wire wrapping.
3Strength
If complex assembly processes are used, then the pull wire can be securely fastened, but the inspection and detection of proper installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wire wrap portion is configured to form a visible wrap around the pull wire when the set screw is properly engaged. This creates a visually detectable feature that indicates successful installation. The distinct appearance of the wire wrap portion allows inspectors to quickly verify that the pull wire is properly secured without requiring complex inspection procedures or specialized skills.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation of the set screw into distinct portions (head portion, threaded portion, and wire wrap portion) creates visually distinguishable features that facilitate inspection. The wire wrap portion specifically provides a visible indicator of proper installation, making it easy to detect whether the pull wire is securely fastened without requiring disassembly or complex measurement techniques.
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
Steerable delivery devices use one or more pull wires. Described herein are devices and methods for securing a pull wire to an adjustment mechanism of such delivery devices. The disclosed devices facilitate securing the pull wire by using a wrapping set screw that forms a lumen for the pull wire and one or more notches in the side of the wrapping set screw at its proximal end. The notches allow the pull wire to be pulled through a notch so that when the wrapping set screw is driven into a threaded lumen the pull wire lies along the roots of the screw. The pull wire is secured in place due at least in part to friction and/or to being pressed between the screw and the threaded lumen of a wrap housing where the wrap housing can be part of the adjustment mechanism of the delivery device.