Needle Penetration Control via Segmented Actuator and Stopping Component

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical devices, such as transurethral devices, lack a mechanism for controlling needle penetration depth between fully deployed and fully retracted configurations, limiting the ability to adjust needle penetration variably within the tissue.

Innovation Solution

A needle adjustment system comprising a stopping component for establishing maximum penetration depth and an actuator that is movable proximally and distally to adjust the needle penetration depth, with a driving component that can be manually or motor-driven to move the actuator and needle to various positions, including a latch mechanism for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a solenoid device is used to deploy the needle in fully deployed or fully retracted configurations, then the needle can be driven back and forth by magnetic field polarity changes, but the needle cannot be maintained at intermediate distances between full deployment and full retraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle penetration depth controlVSAvoidvariable needle penetration control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the needle control function into two independent components: a solenoid for binary deployment/retraction and a separate actuator for continuous depth adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to specialize - the solenoid provides reliable binary actuation while the actuator provides variable depth control, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator serves as an intermediary component between the solenoid and the needle. It receives the binary deployment command from the solenoid and translates it into continuous variable depth control. This intermediary mechanism enables the needle to be positioned at any depth between fully retracted and fully deployed states, providing the missing variable penetration control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the solenoid operates in fully deployed or fully retracted configurations only, then the magnetic field can drive the magnet reliably, but there is no mechanism for variable needle penetration control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolenoid actuationVSAvoidneedle penetration depth adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into a reliable binary solenoid actuator and a separate continuous-position actuator. The solenoid maintains its reliable binary function while the second actuator adds variable depth control capability, allowing the system to achieve both reliability and adaptability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The combined actuation system achieves multi-functionality by integrating the solenoid's reliable binary deployment with the actuator's variable depth control. This universal system can perform both reliable actuation and adaptable depth adjustment, eliminating the need to choose between reliability and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If no stopping component is provided, then the needle can be freely positioned, but there is no defined maximum penetration depth for safety control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle positioning freedomVSAvoiduncontrolled penetration depth

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator system provides self-service safety control through the stopping component. The system automatically prevents the needle from exceeding the maximum safe penetration depth without requiring external intervention. The stopping component works passively to block over-penetration while allowing full range of motion within safe limits, maintaining both positioning freedom and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 precise control of needle penetration depth, allowing for variable insertion within the tissue, enhancing the ability to target specific treatment areas, such as prostate tissue, with improved manual and active control options.

Implementation Method 1

The solenoid creates a magnetic field that drives a magnet back and forth depending on the magnetic field polarity (direction of current) as applied by the solenoid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The driving component may be a spring configured to move the actuator distally

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS20240399073A1Systems and methods for controlling needle penetration

Publication Date: 2024.12.05 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

A needle adjustment device is provided. The needle adjustment device includes a stopping component and an actuator. The stopping component is configured to establish a maximum penetration depth of a needle. The actuator is fixedly coupled to the needle and movable proximally and distally to one or more positions and to adjust a penetration depth of the needle depth up to the maximum penetration depth.