Intraluminal Guide Wire Self-Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraluminal guide wires face challenges in maintaining a stable deflection configuration due to inadvertent movement of the user actuation segment, which can divert the guide wire from the desired delivery route, especially during rotation or advancement of medical devices.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a self-locking mechanism with a flexible inner member that exerts frictional force on the hollow elongated shaft, preventing unintended movement of the user actuation segment while allowing controlled deflection and straightening of the guide wire's distal tip.
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, then the distal tip of the guide wire can be bent or straightened, but the user actuation segment may be inadvertently moved during rotation or advancement, causing the guide wire to be diverted from the desired delivery route
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states dynamically. When locked, the inner member prevents axial movement of the user actuation segment relative to the guide wire, ensuring stability. When unlocked, the inner member can move axially, allowing the user to control deflection. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction by providing both stability during advancement and controllability during deflection adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The frictional force between the inner member and the guide wire is manipulated to control the locking mechanism. By changing the frictional force parameter (through surface properties, normal force, or material selection), the system can transition between a locked state where movement is prevented and an unlocked state where axial movement is allowed for deflection control.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the user actuation segment to prevent inadvertent movement, then the guide wire position is stabilized, but the mechanism may hinder bending and straightening of the distal tip
Solution Approach 1:
The guide wire is divided into functionally independent segments: the guide wire shaft, the user actuation segment, and the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is configured to lock only the relative axial position between the user actuation segment and the guide wire, while allowing rotational movement and controlled deflection. This segmentation enables the locking function to be isolated from the deflection control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamically controllable. The inner member can be selectively locked or unlocked through axial movement by the user. When locked, it stabilizes the guide wire position during advancement. When unlocked, it allows the user to bend or straighten the distal tip. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by providing both stability and ease of operation at different operational phases.
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 self-locking mechanism securely holds the user actuation segment and guide wire in position, maintaining the desired configuration during medical device delivery and maneuvering, preventing unintended bending or straightening of the guide wire.
Implementation Method 1
The locking segment of the inner member includes at least one bend, such that when the locking segment of the inner member is inserted within the hollow elongated shaft, the at least one bend of the inner member may exert the frictional force upon the inner surface of the hollow elongated shaft.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
An intraluminal guide wire may include an elongated shaft extending between a distal end thereof and a proximal end thereof. The intraluminal guide wire may include a user actuation segment positioned proximal to the proximal end of the elongated shaft, the user actuation segment configured for movement relative to the elongated shaft. The intraluminal guide wire may include a core wire affixed to the user actuation segment and the distal end of the elongated shaft. The intraluminal guide wire may also include an inner member having a proximal end thereof positioned at least partially within and fixed relative to the user actuation segment and a distal end thereof positioned at least partially within the elongated shaft, the core wire passing through the inner member. In some embodiments, the intraluminal guide wire may be configured such that a distal segment of the inner member within the elongated shaft is configured to exhibit a friction-based restraint on movement within the 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 elongated shaft.An intraluminal guide wire may include an elongated shaft extending between a distal end thereof and a proximal end thereof. The intraluminal guide wire may include a user actuation segment positioned proximal to the proximal end of the elongated shaft, the user actuation segment configured for movement relative to the elongated shaft. The intraluminal guide wire may include a core wire affixed to the user actuation segment and the distal end of the elongated shaft. The intraluminal guide wire may also include an inner member having a proximal end thereof positioned at least partially within and fixed relative to the user actuation segment and a distal end thereof positioned at least partially within the elongated shaft, the core wire passing through the inner member. In some embodiments, the intraluminal guide wire may be configured such that a distal segment of the inner member within the elongated shaft is configured to exhibit a friction-based restraint on movement within the 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 elongated shaft.