Spiral Cut Hypotube With Electroactive Polymer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical devices such as catheters face a challenge in achieving an optimal balance between flexibility and strength while minimizing exterior diameter and maximizing interior diameter, which existing technologies have not effectively addressed.
Innovation Solution
A medical device featuring a spiral cut hypotube with a constant pitch, where an electroactive polymer is disposed over the hypotube, allowing for reversible and temporary alteration of the pitch and compressive strength, enhancing flexibility and strength properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional hypotube is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the device cannot dynamically adjust flexibility and strength
Solution Approach 1:
The hypotube incorporates a spiral cut configuration that allows dynamic adjustment of flexibility and strength through controlled deformation. The helical geometry enables the tube to adapt its mechanical properties by changing the engagement state of the spiral cuts, transitioning between flexible and rigid states as needed during medical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the hypotube by introducing a spiral cut with specific pitch and angle. This parameter modification allows the tube to exhibit variable mechanical properties - the spiral geometry enables controlled expansion and contraction that dynamically adjusts the balance between flexibility and strength without adding complex mechanical components.
2Length of moving object
If the exterior diameter is minimized, then the device is less invasive, but the interior diameter and flexibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hypotube employs a thin-walled construction with a spiral cut configuration that maintains structural integrity while minimizing exterior diameter. The spiral geometry distributes stress around the tube circumference, allowing the wall to be thinner without compromising strength, thus reducing the exterior diameter while preserving flexibility and interior space.
Solution Approach 2:
The spiral cut introduces a curved, helical geometry into the hypotube structure. This curvature allows the tube to flex and deform more easily while maintaining its circular cross-section, enabling the exterior diameter to be minimized without sacrificing flexibility. The spiral geometry provides a pathway for controlled deformation that preserves the interior diameter.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pitch of spiral cut is altered, then flexibility and strength can be adjusted, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the spiral cut parameters (pitch, angle, and depth) to achieve the desired balance between adaptability and structural integrity. By carefully controlling the pitch of the spiral cuts, the design allows for adjustable mechanical properties while ensuring that the cuts do not create weak points that would compromise the tube's ability to withstand operational forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The hypotube structure combines the spiral cut geometry with appropriate material selection to maintain structural integrity. The spiral configuration creates a composite-like structure where the helical cuts work together with the base material to provide both flexibility and strength, ensuring that altering the pitch does not create unacceptable weak points in the overall structure.
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 solution provides improved flexibility and strength to medical devices like catheters, enabling them to adapt to different conditions by altering their pitch and compressive strength through the use of electroactive polymers, thereby optimizing performance.
Implementation Method 1
An electroactive polymer may be disposed over at least a portion of the hypotube. The medical device may be configured to reversibly and temporarily alter the pitch of at least a portion of the spiral cut hypotube.
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical device such as a catheter may have an elongate shaft that includes a hypotube having a helical cutting formed therein. The elongate shaft may define a lumen that extends within the elongate shaft. An electroactive polymer may be disposed over at least a portion of the hypotube. A medical device may include a spiral cut hypotube having a constant pitch and may be configured to reversibly and temporarily alter the pitch of at least a portion of the spiral cut hypotube. In some cases, the medical device may be configured to reversibly and/or temporarily alter a compressive strength of at least a portion of the spiral cut hypotube.