Intraluminal Imaging Device Bridge Member Electrical Grounding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intraluminal imaging devices face limitations in flexibility and manufacturing complexity due to the need for metallic support members to provide electrical grounding, which restricts their ability to navigate tortuous vasculature effectively.

Innovation Solution

An imaging assembly with a metallic bridge member maintained at electrical ground, which simplifies the support structure by allowing a more flexible and cost-efficient non-metallic support member, and is integrated with a flex circuit and support member to maintain electrical grounding without the need for complex metallic components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a metallic support member is used to provide electrical grounding, then electrical grounding is ensured, but device flexibility and ability to navigate tortuous vasculature deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical groundingVSAvoidflexibility to navigate tortuous vasculature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is divided into two distinct functional components: a non-metallic support structure providing flexibility and navigation capability, and a separate metallic bridge member providing electrical grounding. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The metallic bridge member acts as an intermediary element that contacts both the non-metallic support member and the imaging assembly components requiring grounding. This intermediary approach enables electrical grounding to be provided without requiring the entire support structure to be metallic, thus preserving flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a metallic support member is used to provide electrical grounding, then electrical grounding is ensured, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical groundingVSAvoidsupport member geometry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The non-metallic support member serves multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling device flexibility, and facilitating navigation through tortuous vasculature. By making the support member multi-functional, the need for a complex metallic structure is eliminated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a metallic support member is used to provide electrical grounding, then electrical grounding is ensured, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical groundingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The metallic bridge member is designed as a simpler, more cost-effective component compared to a fully metallic support structure. By using a less expensive metallic component only where electrical grounding is needed, rather than throughout the entire support structure, manufacturing costs are reduced.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs a composite construction combining non-metallic materials for the support structure with metallic materials for the bridge member. This composite approach allows optimization of each material for its specific function while reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 enhances the flexibility and cost-efficiency of intraluminal imaging devices, enabling them to navigate complex vessel structures more effectively while maintaining reliable electrical grounding.

Implementation Method 1

a bridge member at electrical ground and in contact with at least a portion of the imaging assembly to maintain the at least portion of the imaging assembly at electrical ground

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11963822B2Electrical grounding for imaging assembly and associated intraluminal devices, systems, and methods

Publication Date: 2024.04.23 PHILIPS IMAGE GUIDED THERAPY CORP

AI summary

An intraluminal imaging device includes a flexible elongate member sized and shaped for insertion into a vessel of a patient, the flexible elongate member including a proximal portion and a distal portion; an imaging assembly positioned at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member; and a bridge member at electrical ground and in contact with at least a portion of the imaging assembly to maintain the at least portion of the imaging assembly at electrical ground, wherein the bridge member is disposed in cylindrical configuration. Associated devices, systems, and methods are also provided.