Movable Elongated Structure for Simple Traction-Wire Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical instruments with bendable distal ends have complex structures that complicate their ability to be maneuvered effectively in branched body cavities.
Innovation Solution
A movable elongated structure with a simple design featuring flexible tubular bodies and traction wires arranged in specific configurations allows the distal end to be bent and deformed in desired directions by towing the traction wires toward the base end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bending portion is provided in the middle of the distal end side to enable four-directional bending, then the direction of the distal end can be changed, but the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple tubular bodies (first tubular body and second tubular body) that can move independently relative to each other. The junction between these tubular bodies acts as a bending portion, allowing directional changes without requiring complex integrated bending mechanisms. Each tubular body can be controlled separately to achieve four-directional bending capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first tubular body is inserted into the second tubular body, creating a telescopic structure. This nesting arrangement allows the tubular bodies to move relative to each other in a compact configuration, enabling bending and directional changes while maintaining a simple overall structure without requiring additional complex mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If multiple tubular bodies are arranged in series with wiring aids maintaining distance, then the distal end can be curved in desired direction, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tubular bodies are nested within each other in a telescopic arrangement, with wiring aids positioned at the junctions to maintain appropriate distances. This nested configuration allows the tubular bodies to move relative to each other for curving and maneuvering while keeping the overall structure compact and simple, avoiding the need for complex external support 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
Enables the distal end of medical instruments to be easily maneuvered in branched body cavities with a straightforward structure, enhancing operational flexibility and precision.
Implementation Method 1
the traction body is wired in the wiring aid at an angle (obliquely) with respect to the longitudinal direction, thereby allowing at least the distal end side tubular body to be curved and deformed in a desired direction
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
[summary] An object of the present invention is to provide a movable elongated structure etc., in which at least the distal end side may be curved and deformed in a desired direction with a simple structure. [Solution] Eight traction wires 50 are fastened to fixed recesses 61 of a distal end side cap 60 by enlarged diameter portions 51, wherein in the distal end side flexible tube 20, the eight traction wires 50 are arranged in the distal end side upper lumen set 23 in the upward direction HU among the four directions (HU, HD, WR, WL) of the cross section in which lumen sets 23, 24, 25 and 26 are provided, and wherein in the base end side flexible tube 30, the eight traction wires are arranged in the base end side wire lumens 35b and 36a which are closer to the cross-sectional center "0" in the upward direction HU than the distal end side upper lumen set 23 and have a wider interval between the arranged traction wires 53a and 53b. Therefore, by towing the traction wires 53a and 55b toward the base end side flexible tube 30, the distal end side flexible tube 20 may be bent and deformed in a desired direction relative to the base end side flexible tube 30.