Flexible Snap-Fit Coupling for Sheath-Dilator Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking mechanisms for medical devices like introducers and sheaths suffer from degradation, insufficient retention force, lack of tactile feedback, debris generation, and inconsistent insertion/removal forces, and fail to align device curves for directionality.
Innovation Solution
A flexible snap-fit mechanism with a moveable and/or resilient coupling member that provides consistent insertion and removal forces, maintains shape during multiple uses, and allows alignment of device curves for directionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then coupling is achieved, but degradation and insufficient retention force occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the locking mechanism from conventional rigid materials to elastomeric materials with specific durometer ranges (40-90 durometer). This parameter change enables the mechanism to maintain consistent retention force over multiple uses while resisting degradation, as the elastomeric material can deform and recover without permanent damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses composite construction combining elastomeric material with reinforcing elements or specific geometric configurations. This composite approach provides both the flexibility needed for repeated deformation and the structural integrity required for durable, consistent retention force across multiple coupling and decoupling cycles.
2Ease of operation
If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then coupling is achieved, but tactile feedback is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric material parameters (durometer 40-90) are specifically selected to provide optimal tactile feedback. The material's elasticity and damping characteristics create distinct tactile sensations during engagement, allowing users to feel and confirm proper coupling without compromising the reliability of the connection.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then coupling is achieved, but debris is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric material parameters enable the locking surfaces to conform and engage smoothly without creating debris. The material's ability to deform elastically allows for clean engagement and disengagement, preventing the generation of particulate matter that could contaminate the medical devices or surrounding environment.
4Ease of operation
If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then coupling is achieved, but insertion and removal forces are inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric material parameters (durometer 40-90) provide consistent elastic properties that ensure uniform insertion and removal forces across multiple uses. The material's elastic recovery characteristics create predictable force requirements, allowing users to apply consistent force during coupling and decoupling operations while maintaining reliable connection strength.
5Strength
If rigid coupling mechanisms are used, then structural strength is provided, but device curve alignment is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric material parameters enable the locking mechanism to accommodate curved device configurations. The material's flexibility allows it to deform around device curves while maintaining sufficient engagement force, providing both the strength needed for secure coupling and the adaptability required for aligning devices with various anatomical pathways.
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 flexible snap-fit mechanism ensures reliable coupling and decoupling of medical devices with uniform force, provides tactile feedback, and maintains device alignment, overcoming issues of degradation and inconsistency in prior art systems.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling member is resilient and configured to be resiliently deformed to move from the first configuration to the second configuration
Implementation Method 2
provides consistent insertion and removal forces
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and systems are disclosed that incorporate coupling mechanisms to enable coupling of two mating member such as medical devices such as introducers, sheaths, dilators. More specifically, the disclosure relates to releasable coupling mechanisms, to allow for releasable coupling of two medical devices such as a dilator and a sheath so the devices can be maneuvered and/or manipulated together for example during a part of a medical procedure.