Catheter Pull-Ring Braiding With Steering Member Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter systems face challenges in maintaining the axial alignment and tension of steering members during the application of a braid, which is crucial for precise navigation and deflection in medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an infeed clamp and infeed guide that secures and maintains the axial location of steering members, along with a nose cone that ensures consistent alignment, to facilitate the application of a braid over a tubular member with a pull ring and steering members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If steering members are left free during braid application, then the braiding process is simpler and faster, but the steering members rotate and shift axially causing misalignment and loss of steering functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The infeed clamp acts as an intermediary device between the steering members and the braid application process. It provides a controlled interface that temporarily restrains the steering members during braiding, allowing precise axial positioning and rotation prevention without requiring permanent modification to the steering members themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The infeed clamp performs preliminary action by pre-positioning and securing the steering members in their correct axial locations before the braid application begins. This preliminary restraint ensures that when the braid is applied, the steering members are already in their proper positions and remain there throughout the process.
2Manufacturing precision
If steering members are restrained during braid application, then axial alignment is maintained, but the complexity of the braiding system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nose cone merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides the structural framework for the infeed clamp, incorporates the inner guiding member for axial positioning, and serves as the interface for braid application. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining all necessary functions for precise steering member restraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The infeed clamp and inner guiding member are nested within the nose cone structure. The inner guiding member is positioned inside the nose cone, and the infeed clamp operates within the space provided by the nose cone, creating a compact nested arrangement that maximizes functionality while minimizing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If tension is applied to steering members during braiding, then axial shifting is prevented, but the steering members may become damaged or disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The infeed clamp incorporates adjustable tensioning parameters that allow the operator to apply just enough tension to prevent axial shifting of the steering members during braiding, without exceeding the stress tolerance of the steering members. The tension can be fine-tuned based on the specific requirements of different catheter configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The infeed clamp design allows the steering members to partially self-restrain through their own structural characteristics. The clamp provides a framework that leverages the natural rigidity and positioning features of the steering members themselves, reducing the amount of external tension force needed to maintain stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for applying a braid to a tubular member includes an infeed clamp, an infeed guide, and a nose cone. The infeed clamp is configured to prevent rotation of a workpiece, a first steering member, and a second steering member. The infeed guide is configured to maintain the first steering member and the second steering member in a desired axial location along the workpiece. The nose cone includes a proximal plate, a distal plate, and a radially expanding inner guiding member. The proximal plate and the distal plate form a recess when joined together, and the radially expanding inner guiding member is located in the recess.