Self-Locking Wire Lock for Steerable Catheter Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coupling steering wires to catheter actuators are cumbersome, especially when subsequent adjustments are necessary, as they often rely on friction, pinching, or tying, which are inefficient and prone to de-coupling.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking wire lock with a body, a locking assembly, and a biasing device that uses a wedge-shaped locking section and locking balls or a locking pin to securely attach and adjust steering wires, allowing for easy attachment and adjustment while preventing de-coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional coupling methods (friction, pinching, tying) are used to attach steering wires to actuators, then the device structure remains simple, but the coupling reliability is poor and adjustments are cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The wire lock mechanism automatically locks the steering wire in place through the interaction between the locking member, biasing device, and wedge-shaped section, eliminating the need for manual tying or pinching operations while ensuring reliable coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The wire lock acts as an intermediary component between the steering wire and actuator, providing a dedicated coupling mechanism that improves reliability without requiring changes to the wire or actuator designs
2Ease of operation
If traditional coupling methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation for adjustments is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked positions through the release member, allowing easy adjustment when needed while maintaining secure coupling during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The wire lock is divided into distinct functional components (locking member, biasing device, release member, wedge-shaped section), each performing a specific function that contributes to ease of operation while managing overall device complexity
3Reliability
If a self-locking mechanism with multiple components is implemented, then the coupling reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements (locking mechanism, biasing force, release capability) are merged into a single integrated wire lock assembly that attaches to the actuator, providing enhanced reliability without requiring separate systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing device automatically maintains the locking member in the locked position without external intervention, and the release member provides self-contained control for unlocking, reducing the need for additional control systems
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
Simplifies the coupling and adjustment of steering wires, provides improved resistance to de-coupling, and ensures a self-locking mechanism for secure attachment, enhancing the usability of steerable catheters.
Implementation Method 1
a spring located within the opening and biasing the locking assembly against the wedge-shaped locking section
Implementation Method 2
the spring forces the locking assembly against the wedge-shaped section
Implementation Method 3
a wire passing through the opening is restrained in at least one axial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A wire lock includes a body having an opening therethrough, a locking member disposed at least partially within the opening, and a biasing device. The biasing device urges the locking member into a configuration wherein a wire passing through the opening is restrained in at least one direction, and may operate in either tension or compression. The locking member may include one or more locking elements that are compressed about the wire through engagement with a wedge-shaped locking section of the body, with the biasing member urging the locking member against the locking section. In other embodiments, the locking member is a locking pin riding on an inclined surface of an elongate slot extending across the body, with the biasing member urging the locking pin against one end of the slot, and the wire pinched between the pin and a body surface opposite the inclined surface.