Intraluminal Guide Wire Friction Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraluminal guide wires face challenges in maintaining a stable position during use, as the user actuation segment can inadvertently move, causing the distal tip to bend or straighten, diverting from the desired delivery route, especially when rotated or when an intraluminal device is advanced over the guide wire.
Innovation Solution
The intraluminal guide wire incorporates a self-locking mechanism with a friction-based restraint, utilizing a flexible inner member with bends that exert friction within the hollow elongated shaft, securing the user actuation segment and core wire in place, allowing controlled deflection and straightening of the deflectable segment without hindering movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user actuation segment is configured for axial movement relative to the guide wire to control deflection and straightening of the distal tip, then the guide wire can be steered through tortuous anatomy, but it becomes difficult to prevent inadvertent movement of the user actuation segment during operations such as rotation or device advancement
Solution Approach 1:
The guide wire employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking segment transitions between locked and unlocked states. During normal operation, the actuation segment moves freely for steering. When positioning is required, the locking segment engages to prevent inadvertent movement, and can be deliberately unlocked by the user when repositioning is needed. This dynamic state change allows the system to adapt between requiring freedom of movement and requiring positional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-activating through the user's own actions. When the user applies axial force to move the actuation segment, this same force automatically triggers the locking segment to engage with the outer shaft, locking the position without requiring a separate locking action. The mechanism uses the operational movement itself to activate the locking function.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the user actuation segment to prevent inadvertent movement, then position stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged with the existing actuation mechanism rather than being added as a separate system. The locking segment is integrated into the actuation segment structure, and the locking action utilizes the same axial movement that controls the deflectable segment. This merging allows the locking function to be achieved without adding significant structural complexity or requiring additional independent control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking segment is made from a flexible material that allows it to deform elastically during insertion and locking. This flexibility enables the locking segment to compress slightly to engage with the outer shaft, creating a secure lock without requiring精密 mechanical tolerances or complex locking geometries. The elastic deformation provides a simple yet effective locking action.
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
This solution effectively prevents inadvertent movement of the guide wire, maintaining the desired configuration during maneuvering and device delivery, ensuring precise navigation through tortuous anatomy and secure positioning of medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
a locking segment of the inner member configured for placement within the hollow elongated shaft is configured to exhibit a friction-based restraint on movement within the hollow elongated shaft, the friction-based restraint on movement being a frictional force between an outer surface of the inner member and an inner surface of the hollow elongated shaft
Data Source
AI summary
An intraluminal guide wire may include an elongated shaft extending between a distal and a proximal end. The guide wire may include a user actuation segment positioned proximal to the proximal end of the shaft and configured for movement relative to the shaft. The guide wire may include a core wire affixed to the user actuation segment and the distal end of the shaft. The guide wire may also include an inner member having a proximal end situated at least partially within and fixed relative to the user actuation segment and a distal end situated partially within the shaft, the core wire passing through the inner member. The guide wire may be configured with a distal segment of the inner member within the shaft exhibiting a friction-based restraint on movement within the shaft. The friction-based restraint on movement may be a frictional force between the inner member and the shaft.