Monolithic Shape Memory Alloy Articulating Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical devices with articulation joints are costly to manufacture due to the number of parts and complexity, especially for disposable devices, which necessitates a more cost-effective design for elongate medical devices that can navigate complex body paths without causing trauma.
Innovation Solution
An articulating portion for elongate medical devices made from a single continuous piece of material, featuring twisted or spiral-shaped hinges that form between segments, allowing for bending and manipulation, and a method of manufacturing that involves cutting a continuous shape from a sheet and rolling it into a tubular form with fixed edges to create hinges between segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional articulation joints with multiple parts (metal links, rivets, springs) are used, then the device achieves robust and durable hinge points for numerous procedures, but the number of parts and manufacturing complexity increase, raising device cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (metal links, rivets, springs) into a single monolithic articulating portion made from one piece of shape memory alloy. The hinge points are integrated directly into the continuous material structure rather than being separate assembled parts, eliminating the need for rivets or welded springs while maintaining structural integrity and durability through the inherent properties of the shape memory alloy.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-piece articulating portion performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, creates hinge points for articulation, and enables controlled deflection through shape memory effects. The monolithic structure replaces multiple specialized components (links for support, rivets for connection, springs for hinge movement) with one multifunctional element that accomplishes all these roles.
2Reliability
If conventional articulation joints with multiple parts are used, then the device achieves robust hinge points, but manufacturing cost increases due to assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (metal links, rivets, springs) into a single monolithic articulating portion made from one piece of shape memory alloy. The hinge points are integrated directly into the continuous material structure rather than being separate assembled parts, eliminating the need for rivets or welded springs while maintaining structural integrity and durability through the inherent properties of the shape memory alloy.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory alloy material inherently provides the hinge point functionality through its phase transformation properties, eliminating the need for separate spring components or rivet assemblies. The material's self-service capability allows it to automatically provide the necessary mechanical function (hinge movement and return) through its intrinsic shape memory effect, reducing manufacturing steps and assembly operations.
3Device complexity
If the articulating portion is made from a single continuous piece of shape memory alloy, then manufacturing cost is reduced and device complexity is lowered, but the ability to maintain structural integrity during bending must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transformation temperature as a critical parameter to control the mechanical properties of the articulating portion. By designing the hinge points to undergo phase transformation at specific temperatures, the material can transition between rigid and flexible states, maintaining structural integrity when needed while enabling controlled bending and articulation during procedures. The phase transformation parameters are optimized to ensure strength is maintained during bending operations.
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 the number of parts, lowers manufacturing costs, and enhances the flexibility and fatigue life of medical devices, enabling them to effectively navigate complex body paths while minimizing trauma to internal structures.
Implementation Method 1
The segments and the hinges are made of shape memory alloy. In some instances, the segments and the hinges are made of single continuous piece of shape memory alloy.
Data Source
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AI summary
An articulating portion for an elongate medical device is disclosed. The articulating portion including a plurality of segments (22A, 22B) movable relative to one another, and a plurality of hinges (24A, 24B) disposed between adjacent segments. The segments can be configured to bend at the hinges upon manipulation of a control member of the device. The segments and the hinges can also be a single continuous piece of material.