Self-Holding Medical Device Control Handle with Cam Actuated Clutch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control handles for medical devices, such as electrophysiology catheters, are limited in their ability to independently control multiple puller wires, requiring continuous user input for deflection and contraction of catheter features, and lack hands-free operation.
Innovation Solution
A control handle with independent actuation assemblies for each puller wire, utilizing a clutch mechanism with a friction disk for self-holding, allowing bi-directional deflection and contraction of catheter features without continuous user control, featuring a cam-actuated deflection control assembly and a spur gear formation for independent manipulation of multiple puller members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single puller wire system is used for catheter deflection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to achieve bi-directional deflection and multiple control functions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control handle is divided into multiple independent actuation assemblies, each controlling a separate puller wire. The first actuation assembly controls a first puller wire for one direction of deflection, while the second actuation assembly controls a second puller wire for the opposite direction. This segmentation enables bi-directional control while maintaining independent operation of each control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Each actuation assembly is designed with universal functionality to control different puller wires independently. The actuation assemblies incorporate clutch mechanisms that can maintain deflection in multiple positions, providing both steering control and mapping assembly contraction capability through the same basic mechanical structure.
2Ease of operation
If continuous user control is required for puller wire actuation, then precise control is maintained, but hands-free operation and maneuverability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation assemblies incorporate self-holding clutch mechanisms that automatically maintain the deflected position of the catheter without requiring continuous user input. When the user actuates a puller wire to achieve the desired deflection, the clutch mechanism engages to hold that position, allowing the user to perform other tasks or achieve hands-free operation while maintaining stable catheter positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuation mechanisms are added for independent puller wire control, then catheter maneuverability is improved, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent actuation assemblies, where each assembly controls a specific puller wire. This modular approach allows each mechanism to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system independence, reducing the operational complexity despite having multiple control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Clutch mechanisms serve as intermediary components between the user input and the puller wire actuation. These clutches mediate the control by providing self-holding capability, which simplifies the operational interface by eliminating the need for continuous activation while maintaining precise control over multiple puller wires independently.
4Volume of moving object
If multiple actuation assemblies share a common rotational axis, then space is optimized, but rotational coupling between assemblies may interfere with independent control
Solution Approach 1:
While the actuation assemblies share a common rotational axis to optimize space, each assembly is segmented with independent rotational capability. The first actuation assembly can be rotated independently of the second actuation assembly, allowing each to control its respective puller wire without interference, despite the compact shared-axis configuration.
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
Enables precise, hands-free control of multiple catheter features, improving maneuverability and stability during medical procedures by allowing independent operation of deflection and contraction mechanisms, enhancing the usability of electrophysiology catheters.
Implementation Method 1
The clutch mechanism includes a friction disk that is also mounted on the shaft and renders the first actuator self-holding by resisting rotation about the shaft through frictional contact with a friction-inducing surface inside the control handle.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device control handle has a first actuation assembly and a second actuation assembly, wherein each assembly has a shaft that is axially aligned but not rotationally coupled with the other shaft. The first actuation assembly includes a first actuation member and a clutch mechanism having a friction disk for generating frictional torque in rendering the first actuation member self-holding. The first actuation member has a cam portion adapted to impart translational motion and rotational motion for disengaging the clutch mechanism upon pivotation of the first actuation member, thus allowing rotation of the first shaft to manipulate a feature of the medical device, for example, deflection. The second actuation assembly includes a second actuation member and a translating member that is responsive to rotation of the second shaft so as to manipulate another feature of the medical device. The second actuation member is also self holding.