Handle Assembly Force Limiter for Implant Delivery Thread Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implant delivery apparatuses lack effective mechanisms for precisely controlling the force and displacement of tension threads used for folding and unfolding medical implants, leading to potential thread rupture and improper implant deployment.
Innovation Solution
A handle assembly incorporating a drum for winding tension threads, a knob for rotating the drum, a force limiter to set maximum tension, and a displacement limiter to control thread unwinding, along with a brake frame assembly to prevent unintended rotation, ensuring controlled folding and unfolding of medical implants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tensioning device is used to apply force to fold or unfold the implant, then the implant can be deployed, but the risk of thread rupture increases due to uncontrolled force
Solution Approach 1:
The force limiter is pre-configured with a maximum force threshold before the procedure. When the tension thread approaches this threshold, the limiter automatically engages to prevent excessive force, thereby preventing thread rupture without requiring real-time operator judgment or adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The force limiter acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the operator's manual force application and the tension thread. It mediates the force transmission by allowing force up to a safe threshold while blocking excessive force, thus protecting the thread from rupture.
2Manufacturing precision
If the tension thread is allowed to unwind freely to unfold the implant, then deployment is achieved, but over-deployment occurs leading to improper implant positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement limiter is pre-set with the exact displacement distance required for proper implant deployment. As the tension thread unwinds, the limiter automatically engages when the predetermined distance is reached, preventing over-deployment and ensuring precise implant positioning without requiring operator calculation or measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The displacement limiter provides mechanical feedback to the operator through the handle assembly when the maximum displacement is reached. This feedback mechanism (such as a stop or tactile signal) informs the operator that the implant has been deployed to the correct extent, preventing further unwinding and ensuring precise deployment.
3Reliability
If the drum is allowed to rotate freely during tensioning, then thread winding is efficient, but unintended rotation causes loss of tension control
Solution Approach 1:
The brake frame assembly is pre-positioned to apply a braking force to the drum during operation. This preliminary anti-action counteracts unintended rotation before it can cause loss of tension control, while still allowing controlled rotation when the operator applies force through the knob.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake frame assembly acts as an intermediary between the drum's rotational motion and the tension control system. It mediates the rotation by providing controlled resistance through friction, allowing the operator to maintain precise tension control while still achieving efficient folding and unfolding when needed.
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 solution minimizes the risk of thread rupture by limiting applied force and prevents over-deployment of implants, ensuring precise and safe handling of medical implants during folding and unfolding processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring arranged to act on the brake element such that the brake elements contact one surface of the rear knob
Implementation Method 2
the brake elements contact one surface of the rear knob
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a handle assembly (100) for an implant delivery device for folding or unfolding at least one medical implant by means of at least one tension thread, wherein the handle assembly (100) comprises a drum (14) for winding the tension thread thereon by rotating the drum (14); a knob (9) to be rotated by a user of the handle assembly (100) in order to fold or unfold the medical implant by tightening or winding the tension thread or by releasing or unwinding the tension thread, the knob (9) being arranged or interconnected with the drum (14) such that the drum (14) may be rotated when the knob (9) is rotated; and a brake frame assembly (25) comprising at least one brake element and at least one spring (256, 257) arranged to act on the brake element such that the brake elements contact one surface of the rear knob (9).