Segmented Anti-Shrinkage Structure for Precise Stent Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing conveyors for covered stents experience issues with stent movement and shrinkage during the release process, affecting precision and prolonging the release time, which complicates clinical operations.

Innovation Solution

An anti-shrinkage device is integrated into the conveyor, featuring anti-retraction members that clamp and provide frictional resistance to the stent, preventing axial movement and shrinkage, ensuring safe and smooth release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the conveyor uses a split structure with sheath and TIP head separation for stent release, then the release process is simplified, but the stent experiences axial shrinkage and movement during separation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease process simplicityVSAvoidstent release precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-shrinkage device is divided into multiple anti-retraction members (at least two) arranged at intervals along the sheath core tube, with connection members linking adjacent members. This segmentation allows the device to provide distributed support points along the stent, preventing shrinkage at multiple locations simultaneously while maintaining overall structural integrity during the release process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anti-shrinkage device acts as an intermediary component between the stent and the conveyor system. It provides frictional resistance and mechanical support to the stent during separation from the TIP head, mediating the release process to prevent direct contact-induced shrinkage while still allowing controlled deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the stent is released with sheath separation from TIP head, then the stent can be deployed, but the release time is prolonged due to shrinkage state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestent deployment speedVSAvoidrelease time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-shrinkage device is pre-positioned on the sheath core tube before stent release. By having the anti-retraction members already in place with connection members linking them, the system is prepared to immediately prevent shrinkage when separation begins, eliminating delays that would occur if shrinkage prevention needed to be established during the release process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the stent shrinks during movement with sheath separation, then the release process completes, but the stent movement affects precision and safety

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease process completionVSAvoidstent release safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection members change the mechanical parameters of the anti-shrinkage device by linking anti-retraction members, creating a structured support system that maintains appropriate friction and support forces throughout the release process, preventing unsafe stent movement while allowing controlled deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The anti-shrinkage device enhances the accuracy and efficiency of stent deployment by preventing movement and shrinkage, improving clinical operation precision and safety.

Implementation Method 1

the at least two anti-retraction members are arranged at an interval along the length direction of the sheath core tube... providing frictional resistance to the stent, preventing axial movement and shrinkage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3903728B1Anti-shrinkage device used for conveyor and conveyor thereof
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 LIFETECH SCI (SHENZHEN) CO LTD
  • EP3903728B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3903728B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9
  • EP3903728B1 patent drawingFigure 10~13

AI summary

An anti-shrinkage device used for a conveyor and a conveyor thereof, wherein the anti-shrinkage device (1) is sleeved on a sheath core tube (4) of a conveyor (100) and is located between an end head (5) of the conveyor (100) and a push rod (3); the anti-shrinkage device (1) comprises at least two hollow anti-retraction members (11), and the at least two anti-retraction members (11) are arranged at an interval along the length direction of the sheath core tube (4); the anti-shrinkage device (1) further comprises a connection member (12) that connects any two adjacent anti-retraction members (11) among the at least two anti-retraction members (11). When an implant is released, the anti-retraction members (11) are in contact with an inner surface of the implant, which increases the frictional force received by the implant, thus the implant does not easily move during the withdrawal of a sheath (2), and the shrinkage of the implant is prevented, achieving the safe and smooth release of the implant; meanwhile, the accuracy of the clinical operation determination is improved.