Spring-Loaded Torque Device for Guidewire Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque devices for guidewires in minimally invasive procedures are limited by their requirement to be attached only at the distal end, necessitating a second person for assistance and potentially causing guidewire damage due to overtightening.
Innovation Solution
A torque device with a cylindrical housing that can be attached at any point along the guidewire length, allowing single-handed operation without assistance, featuring a spring-loaded clamp for secure guidewire engagement and improved torque control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pin vise mechanism is used to screw around the distal end of the guidewire, then torque control is achieved, but the device requires assistance from a second individual and may cause damage to the guidewire due to overtightening
Solution Approach 1:
The torque device is designed with a self-clamping mechanism that automatically secures the guidewire when the housing is rotated, eliminating the need for a second person to assist with clamping. The spring-loaded jaws automatically engage the guidewire, enabling single-handed operation while maintaining secure grip.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping force is controlled through spring tension rather than manual overtightening, allowing for consistent and safe pressure on the guidewire. This parameter change from manual to spring-controlled force prevents guidewire damage while maintaining adequate grip for torque transmission.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the torque device is attached only at the distal end of the guidewire, then a simple mechanism is used, but the device cannot be positioned flexibly and requires assistance for attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The torque device housing can be attached at any position along the guidewire length, not just at the distal end. This universal attachment capability allows the device to be positioned optimally for different procedural needs and patient anatomies, significantly improving adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If the guidewire is clamped off-center, then the clamping mechanism is simplified, but rotational handling becomes non-intuitive and torque transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw assembly is designed with asymmetric teeth that engage the guidewire in a specific orientation, ensuring the guidewire is held off-center in a controlled position that optimizes torque transmission while maintaining intuitive rotational handling. The asymmetric tooth configuration guides the guidewire into the correct position during attachment.
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
Enhances usability and reduces procedure times by enabling intuitive rotational handling of the guidewire, minimizing slipping, and preventing guidewire damage across various sizes and tensile strengths.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member configured to apply a biasing force on the pincher to bias the pincher to contact the wire
Data Source
AI summary
A torque device employs a cylindrical housing surrounding a guidewire to provide concentric loading of the guidewire along a central axis of the housing attachable at any point along a length of the guidewire. Improved torsion of the guidewire is obtained by clamping the guidewire so that it runs along the center axis of the housing offering intuitive rotational handling (torque) of the guidewire along the torque axis.