Flexible Snap-Fit Coupling for Medical Device Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional locking mechanisms for medical devices such as introducers and dilators suffer from degradation, insufficient retention force, lack of tactile feedback, debris generation, and inconsistent insertion/removal forces, and fail to allow for uniform coupling and rotation of devices.

Innovation Solution

A flexible snap-fit mechanism with a resilient snap member or component that provides elastic deformation, allowing for uniform insertion and removal forces and audible feedback, while enabling alignment and rotation of medical devices like sheaths and dilators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then devices can be coupled together, but the mechanisms degrade over time and provide insufficient retention force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention forceVSAvoidmechanism durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameters of the locking mechanism by using a resilient member made of elastomeric material with specific durometer range (40-90 durometer). This material parameter change enables the mechanism to maintain retention force without degradation over time, resolving the contradiction between reliability and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite construction by combining the resilient elastomeric member with a rigid hub body. This composite approach allows the resilient portion to provide consistent retention force while the rigid structure provides durability, simultaneously improving both reliability and duration of action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then devices can be locked, but they generate debris and lack tactile feedback

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile feedbackVSAvoiddebris generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical locking systems that generate debris through friction and wear with a resilient snap-fit mechanism. The elastomeric material deforms elastically to engage and disengage without generating harmful debris, while the snap action provides clear tactile feedback for ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then devices can be coupled, but insertion and removal forces are inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion force uniformityVSAvoidforce consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves consistent insertion and removal forces by carefully controlling the material parameters of the resilient member, specifically the durometer range and wall thickness. These parameter changes ensure uniform elastic deformation characteristics, providing consistent force requirements for coupling and decoupling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If rigid locking mechanisms are used, then devices can be secured, but they cannot accommodate alignment and rotation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment capabilityVSAvoidlocking strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the locking mechanism through the resilient member that can deform and flex. This allows the mechanism to accommodate alignment variations and rotation during the coupling process while maintaining sufficient locking strength once engaged, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 flexible snap-fit mechanism maintains consistent coupling performance over multiple uses, provides sufficient retention force, reduces debris, and ensures alignment and rotation of medical devices, enhancing user experience and procedural accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient snap member or component that provides elastic deformation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12370354B2Coupling mechanisms for medical devices

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 BOSTON SCI MEDICAL DEVICE LTD

AI summary

Apparatus and systems are disclosed that incorporate coupling mechanisms to enable coupling of two mating member such as medical devices such as introducers, sheaths, dilators. More specifically, the disclosure relates to releasable coupling mechanisms, to allow for releasable coupling of two medical devices such as a dilator and a sheath so the devices can be maneuvered and/or manipulated together for example during a part of a medical procedure.