Spring-Loaded Actuation System for Consistent Implant Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intravascular implant deployment systems using pull wires lack consistent force and speed control, leading to potential injuries and inconsistent deployment of implants due to operator variability.
Innovation Solution
A handle-based actuation system with a trigger mechanism and energy storage components, such as coil springs, that stores and releases energy to retract the pull wire in a controlled manner, ensuring consistent and reliable deployment of implants by automatically grasping and releasing the pull wire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual retraction of the pull wire is performed by the operator, then the implant can be deployed, but the force and speed of release vary among operators and are inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically provides the retraction force when the operator releases the trigger, eliminating the need for the operator to manually control the force and speed of pull wire retraction. The spring mechanism self-regulates the deployment parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct manual mechanical retraction system with a spring-based mechanical system that stores and releases energy in a controlled manner, providing consistent force and speed independent of operator variability.
2Device complexity
If a simple pull wire system is used, then the device structure remains simple, but precise control of deployment timing and force cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-loaded during the loading phase, storing potential energy before deployment. This preliminary action ensures that when deployment is initiated, the stored energy provides immediate and consistent retraction force without requiring complex real-time control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static simple pull wire system to a dynamic spring-loaded system that can store and release energy, providing controlled motion and force variation over time while maintaining relatively simple structure.
3Productivity
If the operator applies force directly to retract the pull wire, then deployment can occur, but premature release or inconsistent timing may result
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism provides a mechanical feedback system where the operator's release action directly controls the spring's energy release, creating a reliable connection between operator intent and deployment timing that prevents premature or delayed release.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism acts as a cushioning element that controls the rate of energy release, preventing sudden or premature deployment while ensuring consistent timing. The spring's mechanical properties are designed to provide the optimal balance between controlled release and deployment speed.
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, consistent, and reliable deployment of implants with reduced risk of injury, as the system ensures consistent force and speed of release, independent of operator variation, and automatically resets for repeated use.
Implementation Method 1
a first energy storage member, such as an elongate coil spring
Data Source
AI summary
A system for mechanically deploying intraluminal implants is disclosed. The system is used with an implant that is delivered and/or deployed via a pull wire and includes a handle having a funnel and receiving channel for receiving the pull wire, a slider having a thumb grip and a wedge, and a shuttle having a grabber for grasping the pull wire. The thumb grip is pulled proximally to retract the wedge to cause the grabber to grasp the wire and retract the shuttle but not the wire. An extension spring linked between the slider and the shuttle abruptly pulls the shuttle to retract the pull wire after the slider is fully retracted.