Overlapped Braid Termination for Torque Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible shafts in endoscopic medical devices often inefficiently transmit torque from the proximal end to the distal end, making it difficult to orient clips or other components at target sites within the body.
Innovation Solution
A braid is applied overlappingly over a reduced cross-sectional area portion of the shaft, with specific layers and braid angles to secure and terminate the braid cleanly while enhancing torque transmission, using a system that includes sensors and a processor to determine the desired length and position of each layer for optimal termination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a braid is applied over the flexible shaft to enhance torque transmission, then torque transmission efficiency is improved, but the braid termination becomes difficult and may cause harmful factors (springing away of filaments)
Solution Approach 1:
The braid is divided into multiple layers (first layer, second layer, third layer) applied in sequence, with each layer serving a specific function in the termination process. This segmentation allows for controlled termination where each layer can be independently managed and secured
Solution Approach 2:
The braid layers are applied in a predetermined sequence and configuration before final termination. The first layer is applied proximally, then the second layer distally, and finally the third layer proximally beyond the reduced cross-sectional area, preparing the structure for clean termination before cutting occurs
Solution Approach 3:
Multiple braid layers are nested over one another, with each subsequent layer wrapping over the previous layer. This nested configuration creates a compact, secure structure where the layers interlock and support each other, preventing filament springing upon termination
2Manufacturing precision
If the braid is terminated by cutting, then the braid can be secured at a specific position, but the filaments spring away from the shaft surface creating an atraumatic termination challenge
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple overlapping braid layers are applied beforehand to create a cushioning effect that restrains the filaments. When the braid is cut, the nested layers prevent the filaments from springing away freely, as they are constrained by the overlapping structure and the reduced cross-sectional area portion of the shaft
Solution Approach 2:
The braid structure functions as a composite material system where multiple layers of braided material work together with the shaft. The combination of overlapping layers creates a composite structure that maintains filament control during termination
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical device includes a flexible shaft extending along a longitudinal axis from a distal end to a proximal end, the shaft including a first reduced cross-sectional area portion extending along a distal portion of a length thereof and a braid applied overlappingly over a portion of the reduced cross-sectional area portion, a first layer of the braid applied proximally over the shaft from a braid distal end to a first braid end point distal of a proximal end of the first reduced cross-sectional area portion, a second layer of the braid applied distally over the first layer from the first braid end point to a second end point proximal of the braid distal end, and a third layer applied proximally over the second layer proximally beyond the proximal end of the reduced cross-sectional area to a third braid end point along the shaft.