Modular Medical Device Attachment Using Fluorinated Tubular Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing articulated medical devices face challenges in attaching articulation sections to flexible shafts, requiring efficient and quick connection and disconnection mechanisms for end-effectors to reduce costs and enhance usability.

Innovation Solution

The development of a medical device with a tubular member structure, including a fluorinated material layer and an adapter system with anchoring members, channels, and securing mechanisms that allow for the easy attachment and detachment of end-effectors from the shaft, enabling quick connection and disconnection while maintaining structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If flexible materials are used for the articulation section and shaft to provide easy manipulation, then ease of operation is improved, but the difficulty of attaching the articulation section to the shaft increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manipulationVSAvoiddifficulty of attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The medical device is divided into separate modular components including the shaft, articulation section, and end-effector that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. The articulation section with its多层 structure can be separately formed and then attached to the shaft, allowing each component to be optimized independently while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The articulation section is constructed with nested layers including an inner layer and an outer layer with fluorinated material, where the inner layer is disposed within the outer layer. This nested structure allows the flexible components to be attached while maintaining their manipulative properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the device is designed as a complete unit, then reliability is improved, but the cost and inventory management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoidinventory cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into a reusable shaft/end-effector assembly and replaceable end-effectors. This allows the expensive shaft to be reused while only the less expensive end-effectors are replaced, reducing overall inventory costs while maintaining device reliability through consistent shaft performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows for the recovery and reuse of the shaft and handle components while the end-effectors are replaced as needed. This selective replacement strategy reduces waste and inventory costs while maintaining the reliability of the critical shaft components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Reliability

If end-effectors are permanently attached to the shaft, then device reliability is improved, but the adaptability and cost-effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidend-effector interchangeability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the shaft and end-effector is designed to be dynamically changeable - securely attached during use to ensure reliability, but capable of being quickly disconnected and reconnected to different end-effectors. This dynamic attachment system allows the connection state to change from fixed to movable based on operational needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft is designed with a universal attachment interface that can accommodate multiple different end-effector types. This universal connection system maintains reliable attachment for each specific end-effector while enabling adaptability across different procedural needs through interchangeable components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution facilitates efficient and cost-effective attachment and detachment of end-effectors, allowing for the reuse of device handles and shafts, reducing overall costs and improving hospital inventory management by enabling interchangeable end-effectors.

Implementation Method 1

The inner layer includes a first section disposed under the first layer and a second section extending out from under the first layer. A portion of the first tubular member overlaps and is bonded to at least a portion of the second section of the inner layer of the second tubular member.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNon-stick property of fluorinated material: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Data Source

PatentUS20240206707A1Methods and systems for attaching medical device sections

Publication Date: 2024.06.27 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

Embodiments of the disclosure include methods and systems for attaching an articulation section. In an embodiment, a medical instrument includes a first tubular member including a first end. The medical instrument also includes a second tubular member including a first end. The second tubular member includes a plurality of layers including an inner layer and a first layer including a fluorinated material. The inner layer includes a first section disposed under the first layer and a second section extending out from under the first layer. A portion of the first tubular member overlaps and is bonded to at least a portion of the second section of the inner layer of the second tubular member.