Multi-Curvature Catheter with Segmented Elastic Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheters lack the ability to form various bending curvatures and precise control over bending directions, which limits their operational convenience, accuracy, and stability during insertion into the human body.
Innovation Solution
A catheter design incorporating a combination of elastic members with different lengths, curvatures, and bending directions, along with a system of wires and pulleys to achieve multiple bending sections, allowing for precise control over bending directions and forces applied, enabling the catheter to be bent in various forms and motions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single manipulating line is used to bend the catheter distal end, then the catheter can be bent in one direction, but it cannot form various bending curvatures or bend in multiple directions
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple bending sections (first bending section, second bending section, etc.), each controlled by its own manipulating line. This segmentation allows independent control of bending in different directions and locations, enabling the catheter to form various curvatures while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the control from a single dimension (one bending direction) to multiple dimensions by adding manipulating lines that control bending in different spatial directions. Each manipulating line corresponds to a specific bending section and direction, creating multi-dimensional control capability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple elastic members with different curvatures are combined to achieve various bending forms, then the catheter can access more positions, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter incorporates multiple discrete bending sections (first bending section with first elastic member, second bending section with second elastic member, etc.), where each section can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the catheter to achieve various bending curvatures by selectively activating different sections, maintaining structural organization and managing complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one where each bending section can be actively controlled to change curvature and direction. The manipulating lines enable dynamic adjustment of each elastic member's bending state, allowing the catheter to adapt its shape in real-time without requiring a permanently complex structure
3Manufacturing precision
If the catheter is designed with precise bending control capability, then insertion accuracy improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is manufactured as separate modular bending sections (first bending section, second bending section, etc.), each with controlled elastic members and manipulating lines. This segmentation allows each section to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled into the complete catheter, reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining precise bending control capability in the final assembled product
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 enhances the catheter's ability to access specific points in the body with greater precision and flexibility, simplifies the control of bending operations, and allows for multiple curvatures without increasing the catheter's size or requiring additional components, improving its operational efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member positioned at an end portion of the catheter; a second elastic member connected with the first elastic member, the second elastic member being curved with a first radius of curvature to protrude toward a first direction; a first wire connected with a first surface of the first elastic member, and configured to pull the catheter to bend the catheter in the first direction; a second wire connected with a second surface of the first elastic member
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter and a surgical medical device. The catheter includes at least; a first elastic member positioned at an end portion of the catheter: a second elastic member connected with the first elastic member, the second elastic member being curved with a first radius of curvature to protrude toward a first direction; a first wire connected with a first surface of the first elastic member, and configured to pull the catheter to bend the catheter in the first direction; a second wire connected with a second surface of the first elastic member, which is opposite to the first surface, and configured to pull the catheter to bend the catheter in a second direction; and a tube containing the first elastic member, the second elastic member, the first wire, and the second wire.