Medical Device Wire Anchors for Compact Tool Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bendable medical instruments face challenges in minimizing their outer size while maximizing the size of the tool channel to accommodate larger and more effective medical tools.
Innovation Solution
A medical apparatus with a bendable body featuring a hollow cavity, a wall with control wires slideably situated within, and an anchor affixed to the control wire and the wall, allowing for enhanced bending capabilities and tool channel size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the outer size (diameter) of the bendable medical instrument is minimized, then the device becomes more compact and flexible for navigating within a patient, but the tool channel size is reduced limiting the ability to accommodate larger medical tools
Solution Approach 1:
The wall is segmented into multiple segments with control wires slideably situated in each segment. This segmentation allows the control wires to be distributed throughout the wall structure, enabling bending control without requiring a large overall diameter. The segmented approach permits the tool channel to maintain adequate size while the outer diameter remains minimized for flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control wires are nested within the wall structure, with anchors affixed to both the control wires and the wall. This nesting arrangement allows the control mechanism to be integrated within the existing wall thickness without increasing the outer diameter. The nested configuration enables effective bending control while maintaining a compact outer size and adequate tool channel dimensions.
2Area of moving object
If the size (diameter) of the tool channel is maximized, then larger and more effective medical tools can be accommodated, but the outer size (diameter) of the bendable medical instrument increases reducing flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The wall is designed with local variations in thickness and composition to accommodate the tool channel while maintaining adequate bending control. The control wires are strategically positioned in specific segments of the wall, allowing the tool channel to be maximized in certain areas without compromising the overall flexibility of the device. This local quality approach enables larger tool channels while maintaining a compact outer diameter through optimized wall construction in other regions.
3Strength
If the strength of the bond between the anchor and the control wire is increased, then the bending capability is enhanced, but the complexity of the anchoring mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is designed to simultaneously bond with both the control wire and the wall, merging multiple functions into a single component. The anchor serves as both a wire attachment point and a wall anchoring element, eliminating the need for separate bonding mechanisms. This merging approach achieves strong bonds between all components while minimizing the overall complexity of the anchoring system through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor acts as an intermediary element between the control wire and the wall, providing a reliable bonding interface without requiring complex direct attachments. The anchor distributes forces effectively between the wire and wall, achieving strong bonds through a simple intermediary structure rather than through complicated direct bonding mechanisms.
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 enables a more compact and flexible medical device with increased tool channel size, allowing for larger medical tools and improved maneuverability within a patient.
Implementation Method 1
the anchor is affixed to the control wire by crimping
Implementation Method 2
the anchor is affixed to the control wire by welding
Implementation Method 3
heating the anchor configured in the wall to create a fusion between the wall and anchor; and cooling the anchor configured in the wall to set the fusion
Data Source
AI summary
An articulated medical device having a hollow core, wherein the device is capable of maneuvering through cavities to reach a target with minimal invasiveness, and once the medical device has reached the target, allowing a medical tool to be guided through the hollow cavity for facilitating medical procedures, including endoscopes, cameras, and catheters, at the target.