Stent Marker Element Form-Fit Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing body implants, such as stents, face challenges in achieving good X-ray visibility while being produced efficiently and inexpensively, often requiring additional high-cost components like radiopaque markers for visibility.
Innovation Solution
A body implant design featuring a marker element inserted into a cutout with deformed edges that form a conical shape, allowing a form-fitting attachment without the need for gluing or welding, using materials like gold, platinum, or tantalum for enhanced X-ray visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If additional radiopaque marker elements are added to improve X-ray visibility, then X-ray visibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The marker element is integrated directly into the implant structure by inserting it into a cutout formed on the implant. This merging of the marker and implant into a single integrated component eliminates the need for separate fixation mechanisms, thereby improving X-ray visibility while avoiding increased manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The edge of the cutout is deformed to create a form-fit connection that automatically locks the marker element in place. This self-locking mechanism eliminates the need for additional fixation methods such as welding or gluing, allowing the marker to secure itself within the implant structure
2Strength
If traditional fixation methods like welding or gluing are used to attach marker elements, then mechanical locking is improved, but manufacturing cost and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex fixation systems (welding, gluing) with a purely mechanical deformation-based locking mechanism. By deforming the edge of the cutout to create interference fit and form-fit connections, the marker element achieves strong mechanical locking through simple deformation processes rather than requiring additional joining technologies
Solution Approach 2:
The edge of the cutout undergoes parameter changes through deformation, transitioning from a simple geometric feature to a complex three-dimensional locking structure. This deformation creates multiple contact points and interference fits that provide strong mechanical locking while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
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
This design enhances X-ray visibility while reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for additional fixation methods, ensuring strong mechanical locking and compatibility with body canals.
Implementation Method 1
at least one edge of the cutout is deformed or pressed in such a way that the marker element is received in a form-fitting manner by the cutout
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The present invention relates to a body implant, in particular a stent for insertion or implantation in a living body, having a marker element (2; 2a) made of a material visible to X-rays, which is fitted into a cutout (1) of an implant structure (11), wherein at least one edge of the cutout (1) is deformed or pressed in (4) in such a manner that the marker element (2; 2a) is received with a positive fit by the cutout (1).