Guide Wire Surface Friction for Controlled Prolapse Progression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing guide wires with structural rigidity differences are prone to breaking at rigidity change points, leading to reduced operability and increased complexity with high manufacturing costs due to multiple components and processes.

Innovation Solution

A medical device with a first region having a high friction surface property and a second region with a low friction surface property, controlled by surface properties to manage prolapse progression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigidity difference is structurally provided in the guide wire to control prolapse progression, then the prolapse can be prevented from progressing to the rear end side, but the guide wire tends to break at the rigidity change point and the structure becomes complicated with high manufacturing costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprolapse controlVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating distinct surface property regions (high friction and low friction) at specific locations along the guide wire. The external cover is divided into a first region with high friction surface properties and a second region with low friction surface properties, allowing localized control of prolapse progression without requiring complex structural changes throughout the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters by modifying surface friction characteristics rather than structural rigidity. By controlling surface properties (friction coefficients) in different regions, the patent achieves prolapse control through parameter variation alone, avoiding the need for complex multi-component structures with different rigidity levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a rigidity difference is structurally provided in the guide wire to control prolapse progression, then the prolapse can be prevented from progressing to the rear end side, but the guide wire breaks at the physical rigidity change point

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprolapse controlVSAvoidbreakage resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating distinct surface property regions (high friction and low friction) at specific locations along the guide wire. The external cover is divided into a first region with high friction surface properties and a second region with low friction surface properties, allowing localized control of prolapse progression without requiring complex structural changes throughout the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters by modifying surface friction characteristics rather than structural rigidity. By controlling surface properties (friction coefficients) in different regions, the patent achieves prolapse control through parameter variation alone, avoiding the need for complex multi-component structures with different rigidity levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a rigidity difference is structurally provided in the guide wire by using multiple components (outer flexible tube body and inner flexible tube body), then the prolapse progression can be controlled, but the manufacturing burden increases with increased numbers of components and processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprolapse controlVSAvoidmanufacturing burden
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functional components into a single integrated external cover structure. Instead of using separate inner and outer flexible tube bodies with complex assembly, the patent combines the cover into one component with differently treated surface regions, reducing the number of parts and simplifying manufacturing processes while maintaining prolapse control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating distinct surface property regions (high friction and low friction) at specific locations along the guide wire. The external cover is divided into a first region with high friction surface properties and a second region with low friction surface properties, allowing localized control of prolapse progression without requiring complex structural changes throughout the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 device effectively controls prolapse progression with a simple structure, avoiding rigidity-related breakage and complexity, by using high and low friction regions to manage prolapse initiation and termination.

Implementation Method 1

a first region (10a) having a first surface property, and a second region (10b) having a second surface property and located on a proximal end side with respect to the first region (10a)... the surface of the first region has a first frictional resistance value... the surface of the second region has a second frictional resistance value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4620506A1Medical device
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 ASAHI INTECC CO LTD
  • EP4620506A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4620506A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4620506A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A guide wire 10 (medical device) includes a first region 10a having a first surface property, and a second region 10b having a second surface property and located on a proximal end side with respect to the first region. In the guide wire 10, the first surface property includes a property that a surface of the first region 10a has a first frictional resistance value in a friction and wear test, the second surface property includes a property that a surface of the second region 10b has a second frictional resistance value in the friction and wear test under the same conditions as for the surface of the first region 10a. The first frictional resistance value is higher than the second frictional resistance value. This guide wire 10 (medical device) makes it possible to control progression of prolapse in spite of a simple structure.