Steerable Medical Device Handle Crank Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steerable medical devices lack a user-friendly mechanism for precise manipulation and steering of tools like sheaths, catheters, and introducers, as existing systems are cumbersome and require complex operations to deflect tools effectively.
Innovation Solution
A steerable medical device with a handle featuring a rotatable knob that drives a crank assembly, which translates a slider to tension a control wire, allowing for controlled deflection of the tool through a mechanical steering assembly, enabling precise directional changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex steering mechanism is used to achieve precise tool deflection, then steering precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical steering mechanisms with an electromagnetic field-based system. The electromagnetic actuator generates controlled electromagnetic fields to deflect the tool, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, gears, and cables while achieving precise steering control through electronic control of the electromagnetic fields.
2Device complexity
If a simple steering mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but steering precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple electromagnetic actuators that can independently vary their electromagnetic field parameters (strength, direction, frequency). By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system achieves precise control over tool deflection magnitude and direction, enabling high steering precision with a relatively simple actuator array configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the tool's position and orientation in real-time, feeding this information back to the control system. The controller processes this feedback and dynamically adjusts the electromagnetic field parameters of the actuators to achieve the desired steering precision, maintaining accurate control without complex mechanical feedback mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If manual manipulation methods are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an electromagnetic field-based actuation system controlled through a user interface. The controller translates simple user inputs into precise electromagnetic field adjustments, enabling operators to achieve high control precision through intuitive electronic control rather than complex manual manipulation of mechanical components.
Data Source
AI summary
A steerable medical device includes a handle having a handle body and a knob that is rotatable about a knob axis with respect to the handle body. An elongate tool extends from the handle. A steering assembly causes deflection of the tool by rotation of the knob. The steering assembly includes a slider that is housed within the handle body and is translatable within the handle body. The steering assembly further includes a control wire coupled between the slider and the tool. Translation of the slider causes tensioning of the control wire and tensioning of the control wire causes deflection of the tool. The steering assembly further includes a crank assembly coupled between the knob and the slider, to drive translation of the slider by rotation of the knob.