Modular Introducer Sheath Resilient Hub Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional introducer sheaths are typically constructed from multiple components that require assembly, leading to manufacturing challenges such as damage during the molding process, resulting in higher costs and reduced quality control, and necessitating the entire device to be discarded if damaged.
Innovation Solution
The development of an introducer sheath composed of multiple components that can be assembled using resilient connections, featuring a hub, elongated tubular member, and flexible valve member, allowing for separate assembly and improved manufacturing efficiency and quality control, with a cap providing compressive force to enhance the seal without compromising access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional introducer sheaths are constructed from multiple components that require assembly, then the device can provide necessary functions (fluid sealing, strength), but manufacturing complexity increases and risk of damage during assembly rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hub portion and tubular member into a single molded unit, eliminating the need for separate assembly of these components. This merging maintains the fluid sealing and strength requirements while reducing assembly complexity and the risk of damage during assembly operations.
2Strength
If molding is used to produce stronger parts by molding the hub over the tubular member, then strength increases, but the risk of damaging components during the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the manufacturing process by first forming the tubular member as a separate component, then molding the hub portion separately, and finally assembling them using a retention member. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces the risk of damage that would occur if the hub were molded directly over the tubular member.
3Manufacturing precision
If the entire device must be discarded when a portion is damaged during manufacturing or assembly, then quality control becomes more difficult, but this is the conventional approach for multi-component assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the introducer sheath into separable components (hub portion, tubular member, retention member) that can be manufactured independently and assembled. This segmentation allows damaged components to be identified and replaced individually rather than discarding the entire device, improving quality control and reducing waste.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional multi-component assembly is used, then the introducer sheath can be manufactured, but manufacturing costs increase due to damage and rework
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines certain components into fewer pieces that can be assembled with simpler operations, reducing the overall number of assembly steps and the risk of damage. This merging maintains manufacturability while reducing manufacturing costs by minimizing waste and rework.
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
This design reduces manufacturing costs, enhances quality control, and maintains the essential requirements of introducer sheaths, including fluid sealing and strength, while allowing for easier assembly and reduced waste due to modular components.
Implementation Method 1
a cap providing compressive force to enhance the seal without compromising access
Implementation Method 2
introducer sheaths having resilient connections
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with the present disclosure there is provided exemplary embodiments of an introducer sheath, wherein the introducer sheath may be formed of multiple components at least one of which may be integrally formed or resiliently assembled to form a single introducer sheath. One embodiment of the introducer sheath includes a hub and a flexible valve. The flexible valve member may be non-planar in a relaxed state.