Intravascular Guidewire Connector for Secure Detachable Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intravascular guidewires with electronic components face challenges due to limited space, stiffness, and fragility, affecting their performance and maneuverability during procedures, leading to reluctance in disconnecting the proximal connector to avoid breakage.
Innovation Solution
A flexible elongate intravascular device with a proximal portion and distal portion, featuring a connector system with a first and second connection piece that translates between open and closed positions for secure electrical coupling, and a bias element like a spring to facilitate alignment and connection, ensuring reliable communication between electronic components and external devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic components are integrated into the guidewire, then functionality is improved, but handling performance and maneuverability deteriorate due to limited space and stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The guidewire is divided into distinct functional segments: a flexible distal portion with electronic components for sensing, and a separate proximal connector portion for external connection. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently - the distal portion for maneuverability and the proximal portion for connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximal connector is designed as a separable component that can be removed from the guidewire. This extraction allows the connector to be independently optimized for electrical connection purposes without compromising the guidewire's handling performance, while still providing reliable electrical coupling when connected.
2Reliability
If the proximal connector is left attached to the guidewire, then electrical connection is maintained, but maneuverability and handling are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic separable connection. The connector can be attached when electrical connection is needed and detached when maneuverability is required, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on procedural needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation of the proximal connector from the guidewire body creates independent functional units. The guidewire maintains its full maneuverability when the connector is detached, while electrical connection reliability is preserved when the connector is attached through secure engagement features.
3Ease of operation
If the proximal connector is disconnected from the guidewire, then maneuverability is improved, but the risk of breakage increases due to fragility
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates protective features such as recesses, alignment elements, and structured engagement mechanisms that cushion and guide the connection process. These features prevent misalignment and reduce stress concentrations that could lead to breakage during connection or disconnection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximal connector portion is designed with locally optimized structural properties - it has increased diameter and enhanced structural features at critical connection points compared to the rest of the guidewire. This local reinforcement provides additional strength and rigidity where connection forces are applied, reducing the risk of breakage while maintaining flexibility elsewhere.
4Length of moving object
If the guidewire diameter is reduced for intravascular navigation, then navigability is improved, but the proximal connector becomes more fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The guidewire structure exhibits varying diameter along its length - a reduced diameter in the distal portion for intravascular navigation and an increased diameter in the proximal connector portion for structural strength. This local quality variation allows the device to simultaneously achieve navigability and connector durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation of the proximal connector from the thin guidewire body allows the connector to have a larger diameter and greater structural mass independent of the guidewire's narrow profile. This segmentation enables the connector to be optimized for strength while the guidewire remains optimized for navigation through small vessels.
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
Enhances the handling and maneuverability of intravascular devices by providing a secure and reliable electrical connection, reducing the risk of breakage and improving the functionality of guidewires with electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
a bias element like a spring to facilitate alignment and connection
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5
AI summary
Electrical connectors and intravascular devices are provided. A connector for connecting an intravascular device comprises a first connection piece (204,304) and a second connection piece (202,302) that is translatable relative to the first connection piece between an open position of the connector when the intravascular device is removable from the connector and a closed position when the intravascular device is secured to the connector. The proximal portion of the intravascular device comprises a first subsection (118) located between a second subsection (114) and a third subsection (120), and wherein the first diameter (124) of the first subsection is smaller than a second diameter (122) of the second subsection and the third subsection. The first connection piece comprises a recess (252,352) sized such that the first subsection (118) of the intravascular device is receivable by the recess for coupling the connector to the proximal portion of the intravascular device, while a second subsection and a third subsections are not receivable by the recess.