Guide Wire Annular Member Fills Step Space
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional guide wires with resin coating layers face issues with the proximal end of the coating layer being caught by medical implements, leading to exfoliation and reduced slidability due to the step between the resin coating layer and the wire body, which existing tapering methods fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an annular member that fills the step space between the resin coating layer and the wire body, preventing the proximal end of the resin coating layer from being caught and ensuring smooth slidability by creating a continuous surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a resin coating layer is applied to the distal section of the wire body, then the safety is enhanced by preventing blood vessel wall damage, but a step is formed between the proximal section of the resin coating layer and the wire body, causing the proximal end to be caught by medical implements and leading to exfoliation
Solution Approach 1:
A proximal section coating layer is introduced as an intermediary element between the wire body and the distal section resin coating layer. This intermediate layer has a gradual thickness transition (thinner at the proximal end, thicker toward the distal end), serving as a mediator that eliminates the abrupt step and prevents the resin coating from being caught by medical implements, thereby resolving the contradiction between safety enhancement and coating integrity.
2Reliability
If the proximal section of the resin coating layer is tapered to prevent catching, then the risk of exfoliation is reduced, but existing tapering methods cause side effects such as heat deformation, fuzzing, or insufficient/excessive processing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the manufacturing parameters by controlling the thickness distribution of the proximal section coating layer during the coating process itself, rather than applying post-coating tapering methods. By adjusting coating application parameters (such as coating speed, dip depth, or extrusion rate), the desired gradual thickness transition is achieved directly, avoiding heat deformation, fuzzing, and solvent control issues associated with conventional tapering methods.
3Ease of operation
If the proximal end of the resin coating layer is tapered, then the slidability is maintained, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The desired thickness gradient of the proximal section coating layer is established during the initial coating application process, before the resin coating layer is fully formed. This preliminary action of controlling thickness distribution during coating eliminates the need for subsequent tapering operations, thereby maintaining slidability while avoiding additional manufacturing steps that would reduce productivity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a guide wire including: a wire body having a core wire; a resin coating layer covering an outer periphery of a distal section of the wire body; and an annular member provided on the proximal side of the resin coating layer so as to fill up a step space present between a proximal section of the resin coating layer and the wire body, wherein the outer diameter of the distal end of the annular member and the outer diameter of the proximal end of the resin coating layer are substantially equal, and a distal end face of the annular member is joined to a proximal end face of the resin coating layer.