NiTi Stent Strand Coupling Structure for Secure End Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices, such as stents, face challenges in securely joining strand ends made of nickel-titanium materials, particularly in maintaining structural integrity and consistency during insertion and expansion within anatomical structures.
Innovation Solution
The use of coupling structures that are laser-welded to the strand end portions, ensuring alignment and secure attachment without direct connection between welded regions, allowing for axial alignment or offset positioning, and utilizing materials that match or differ from the strands to enhance stability and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If coupling structures are used to join strand ends, then structural integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling structure serves as an intermediary element between strand ends, providing a reliable joining mechanism. The coupling structure includes a body with first and second engagement features that interface with the strand ends, creating a secure connection without requiring direct welding or fusion of the strands themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling structure is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion, first engagement features for coupling to first strand ends, and second engagement features for coupling to second strand ends. This segmentation allows each feature to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall design and manufacturing process.
2Manufacturing precision
If laser welding is used to secure coupling structures, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure is pre-configured with engagement features and alignment elements before the welding process. Strand ends are positioned in engagement with the coupling structure's features prior to laser welding, ensuring proper alignment is achieved before the permanent join is made. This preliminary positioning simplifies the welding operation and improves precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If coupling structures are positioned axially offset, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure is designed with universal engagement features that can accommodate strand ends in multiple configurations, including axial alignment and axial offset positions. The engagement features are designed to securely hold strand ends regardless of their precise positioning, allowing the same coupling structure design to be used in various device configurations without requiring custom modifications.
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 method provides a robust and consistent securement of strand ends, maintaining device integrity and flexibility, even under axial compression, thereby ensuring effective deployment and functionality within anatomical structures.
Implementation Method 1
The securing may be accomplished by welding (e.g., laser welding) the coupling structure to the first strand end portion to create a first welded region and by welding the coupling structure to the second strand end portion to create a second welded region.
Data Source
AI summary
A woven, self-expanding stent device has one or more strands and is configured for insertion into an anatomical structure. The device includes a coupling structure secured to two different strand end portions that are substantially aligned with each other. The two different strand end portions include nickel and titanium. The coupling structure is not a strand of the device.