Rotating Actuator for Deploying Implant Wings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for closing openings in the body, such as punctures or natural openings, are inefficient and lack a simple and effective deployment mechanism for closure devices.
Innovation Solution
An actuator system with a housing and guide tube mechanism that allows for controlled rotation and axial movement to deploy and lock implant wings, enabling precise closure of body openings through a series of rotation strokes and a locking mechanism to secure the implant in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing methods for closing openings in the body are used, then closure of punctures or natural openings can be achieved, but the procedures are inefficient and lack a simple deployment mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is divided into distinct functional segments: a rotatable proximal portion for deployment control, a distal portion with guide tube for implant delivery, and a locking mechanism for securing the implant. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall system manageable in complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is pre-configured with the implant in a compressed, ready-to-deploy state within the guide tube. The proximal portion is pre-attached to the guide wire, and the locking mechanism is pre-positioned to engage automatically upon completion of the rotation stroke, eliminating the need for multiple separate actions during the procedure
2Manufacturing precision
If a rotatable actuator mechanism is used to deploy implant wings, then precise control of implant deployment is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator employs a dynamic rotatable proximal portion that can rotate relative to the distal portion about the longitudinal axis. This rotational movement is converted into axial displacement of the guide wire through the guide tube, which in turn deploys the implant wings in a controlled manner. The dynamic rotation provides precise control while maintaining a relatively simple cylindrical structure
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment control is achieved by converting rotational motion in one dimension (rotation about the longitudinal axis) into axial linear motion in another dimension (movement along the longitudinal axis). This dimensional transformation allows precise control of implant deployment through a simple rotational action rather than requiring complex linear actuation mechanisms
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent rotation after implant deployment, then secure implant placement is ensured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism operates automatically based on the rotation stroke completion. The tab on the proximal portion and the guide pin on the distal portion are positioned such that when the proximal portion rotates through the predetermined angle to deploy the implant, the tab automatically engages with the guide pin to lock the rotation. This self-activating mechanism ensures reliable implant placement without requiring additional control steps or complex actuation systems
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for using an actuator to deploy an implant configured to close a tissue puncture or a natural opening in a body. The actuator includes a handle that is rotated in a first direction to deploy a first set of deployable wings of the implant, and that is rotated in a second, opposite direction to deploy a second set of deployable wings of the implant. A guide wire coupled between the implant and the actuator rotates and/or moves axially with the actuator to cause the wings to deploy. After each of the first and second rotation strokes, the handle is prevented from rotating beyond the first and second strokes, respectively. After the wings are deployed to engage tissue therebetween, the handle is operated to eject the implant from the actuator.