Modular Ring Electrode Assemblies for Easier Catheter Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cardiac mapping catheters face challenges in assembling small, multi-electrode end effectors due to tedious and difficult assembly processes, necessitating an improved electrode assembly that facilitates manufacturing and maximizes data collection.
Innovation Solution
A ring electrode assembly comprising an insert, a ring electrode, and collars fixed to the insert, with a tapered design and irrigation holes, along with a bridge tube connecting multiple assemblies, forming a flexible and efficient end effector for cardiac mapping catheters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple electrodes are provided on the end effector to collect larger amounts of data signals, then data collection capability is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is divided into multiple modular ring electrode assemblies, each containing a specific number of electrodes. This segmentation allows the complex multi-electrode system to be broken down into manageable modules that can be assembled systematically, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining high data collection capability through the cumulative effect of multiple modules.
Solution Approach 2:
Each ring electrode assembly is designed as a universal module that can be replicated and connected to form different configurations. The standardized design of rings, collars, and connecting structures allows the same module to serve multiple purposes and be assembled in various arrangements, simplifying the assembly process while enabling comprehensive data collection from multiple electrodes across different configurations.
2Area of moving object
If the end effector is made with small components to reduce footprint, then precision and minimally invasive capability are improved, but assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design features nested structures where smaller components are housed within larger ones - electrodes are mounted on rings, which are held by collars, which in turn are connected to connecting structures. This nesting approach allows small components to be efficiently organized and assembled in a hierarchical manner, reducing the overall footprint while making assembly more systematic and less difficult through defined assembly sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
Collars serve as intermediary components that simplify the assembly of small electrode rings to the larger end effector structure. These collars act as mediators that provide convenient attachment points and alignment features, making it easier to handle and assemble the small electrode components without requiring complex direct attachment mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If a modular design is implemented to facilitate manufacturing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is segmented into standardized modular units (ring electrode assemblies with collars and connecting structures) that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. This segmentation enables specialized manufacturing processes for each module type while simplifying quality control and assembly, as each module can be produced and tested separately before integration into the final device.
Solution Approach 2:
Each modular ring electrode assembly combines multiple functions into a single integrated unit - the ring provides the electrode structure, the collar provides attachment and alignment, and the connecting structures provide mechanical and electrical connectivity. This merging of functions within each module reduces the total number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining the benefits of modularity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The disclosed technology includes an end effector for a catheter. The end effector comprises a plurality of ring electrode assemblies, each ring electrode comprising a ring electrode disposed around an insert. Collars can be attached to each end of the ring electrode to fix the ring electrode to the insert. Multiple ring electrode assemblies can be coupled to one another with bridge tubes to form a length of an end effector.