Steerable Instrument Diameter Adaptation With Integrated Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steerable instruments face issues with cumbersome construction, high cost, reduced reliability due to susceptibility to damage, and compromised maneuverability due to diameter adaptation arrangements, which increase the diameter of the elongated tubular body.
Innovation Solution
A steerable instrument with an internally arranged cylindrical diameter adaptation section that minimizes the diameter increase and incorporates fewer cylindrical elements, enhancing maneuverability and reliability while reducing manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a steerable instrument is constructed with multiple separate components (pushing/pulling wires, bending elements, connection elements) assembled together, then the instrument achieves steerable functionality and adaptability, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (pushing/pulling wires, bending elements, connection elements) into a single integrated cylindrical element. This merging eliminates the need for complex assembly operations while maintaining the steerable functionality, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cylindrical element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the pushing/pulling wires, provides the bending elements, and includes the connection elements. This multi-functionality approach achieves steerable capabilities without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are assembled to create the steerable instrument, then steerable functionality is achieved, but the manufacturing time and assembly operations increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple components into a single cylindrical element, the patent eliminates time-consuming assembly operations. The integrated design allows the element to be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit, significantly reducing manufacturing time while maintaining steerable functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The pushing/pulling wires, bending elements, and connection elements are pre-integrated into the cylindrical element during manufacturing. This preliminary action of combining components before final assembly reduces the time required during actual instrument assembly and deployment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional construction methods with multiple separate components are used, then steerable functionality can be achieved, but the risk of assembly errors and manufacturing defects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components into a single cylindrical element, eliminating the assembly interface where errors and defects commonly occur. This integration ensures proper alignment and connection between components, significantly improving assembly accuracy and reducing manufacturing defects while maintaining steerable functionality.
4Device complexity
If the instrument uses a single cylindrical element with integrated components, then device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
While the overall structure is integrated, the cylindrical element incorporates segmented features (such as the bending elements and connection elements) that can be manufactured using standard precision techniques. This segmentation approach allows complex functions to be achieved through modular features within the single element, balancing device simplicity with manufacturing feasibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of making a steerable instrument for endoscopic and/or invasive type of applications, such as in surgery is provided. The instrument has an elongated tubular body having at least one actuation zone at a proximal side of the steerable instrument and at least one bendable zone at a distal side of the steerable instrument, said at least one actuation zone arranged to control bending of said at least one bendable zone by means of a plurality of longitudinal elements. The method comprises: making slits in a first intermediate cylindrical element such as to define a first set of one or more adjacent longitudinal elements which may be used as pushing/pulling wires in the assembled state of the steerable instrument, cutting open spaces in a second intermediate cylindrical element such as to render a sliding island in each open space, which are defined by rigid, cylindrical portions and connection elements, each open space being associated with one longitudinal element, such that when the cutting process is finished, each sliding island is still attached to at least one of an adjacent connection element and rigid, cylindrical portion by means of one or more break islands, aligning every sliding island with one longitudinal element and connecting or attaching every sliding island to one longitudinal element of the first set of longitudinal elements , moving the longitudinal elements and respective sliding islands together such as to cause the one or more break islands to break off during moving the longitudinal elements relative to the second intermediate cylindrical element.