Steerable Mandrel with Sliding Movable Part for Adjustable Curvature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive medical procedures face limited control over penetrating instruments once they are inserted beneath the skin, as existing steerable devices have fixed curvature and require heating for shape changes, limiting maneuverability and control.
Innovation Solution
A steerable mandrel with a stationary and movable part, where longitudinal movement of the movable part induces bending of the stationary part, allowing for a continuously adjustable curvature from no bending to maximum, enhancing maneuverability and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed curvature stylet is used, then the structure is simple, but the maneuverability and control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The stylet is divided into a stationary part and a movable part that can slide relative to each other. The movable part has a different curvature radius than the stationary part, allowing the operator to adjust the overall curvature by changing the position of the movable part, thereby improving maneuverability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The stylet transitions from a fixed curvature design to a dynamic adjustable curvature design. The movable part can be positioned at different locations along the stationary part to change the effective curvature radius, enabling the stylet to adapt to different steering requirements during the procedure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a shape-memory material stylet is used to achieve curvature, then the curvature can be adjusted, but heating is required which complicates the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal field (heating mechanism) with a mechanical field (sliding mechanism). Instead of using shape-memory materials that require heating to change curvature, the invention uses a simple mechanical sliding action of the movable part along the stationary part to achieve curvature adjustment, eliminating the need for complex heating equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The curvature radius is changed by mechanically adjusting the position of the movable part along the stationary part, rather than changing the material properties through heating. This allows for continuous adjustment of the curvature parameter through a simple mechanical displacement, achieving adaptability without thermal processing.
3Measurement precision
If the curved portion length is fixed, then manufacturing is simple, but the control precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The stylet is segmented into stationary and movable parts with different curvature characteristics. The movable part acts as an adjustable extension that modifies the effective curved portion length, allowing continuous variation of the curvature radius without requiring multiple pre-manufactured components with different fixed lengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The effective curved portion length becomes a dynamic parameter that can be adjusted during use by sliding the movable part to different positions. This dynamic adjustment capability provides continuous control precision while maintaining a single standardized manufacturing design for both parts.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a steerable mandrel comprising a stationary part and a movable part. The stationary part comprises a tubular sleeve having a mantle wall with a longitudinal semi-circumferential opening or weakening, which divides the stationary part into a proximal portion located on a proximal side of the longitudinal semi-circumferential opening or weakening and a distal portion located on distal side of the longitudinal semi-circumferential opening or weakening. The movable part comprises a rod-like member, which is slidable within the proximal portion of the stationary part. The movable part is attached to distal portion of the stationary part, such that relative movement of the movable part in relation to the stationary part causes a bending of the mandrel.