Stent Radiopaque Marker Attachment Using Spherical Indenter
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for attaching radiopaque markers to stents often result in damage to the marker housing due to the application of pressure, leading to potential cracking and marker detachment during use.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a spherical indenter to pressure fit the marker insert into the marker housing, ensuring a uniform stress distribution and reducing the risk of damage to the marker housing, with a device comprising a press apparatus, microscope, and mandrel for precise positioning and loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sufficient pressure is applied to attach the marker insert to the marker housing, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the marker housing may crack or break due to excessive stress
Solution Approach 1:
The indenter features a spherical distal end surface that contacts the marker insert. This spherical geometry distributes the pressing force uniformly across the marker insert's surface, preventing stress concentration that would otherwise crack the marker housing. The curved surface allows gradual deformation and secure attachment while maintaining marker housing integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a flat indenter is used to press the marker insert, then the attachment process is simple, but the stress concentrates on specific points causing cracks in the marker housing
Solution Approach 1:
The indenter's spherical distal end replaces the flat surface, transforming the stress distribution pattern from concentrated point loads to distributed radial forces. This geometric modification eliminates the harmful stress concentration effect while maintaining the simplicity of the pressure fitting process.
3Reliability
If the marker insert is securely attached to prevent detachment, then the reliability during use is improved, but the marker housing may be damaged during the attachment process
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical indenter surface enables gradual deformation of the marker insert as it is pressed into the marker housing. This progressive deformation secures the marker insert firmly while distributing forces to prevent cracking or breaking of the marker housing, achieving both secure attachment and housing protection.
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 approach allows for secure attachment of the marker insert without causing cracks in the marker housing, enhancing the stent's durability and reducing the likelihood of marker detachment during use.
Implementation Method 1
using an indenter having a spherical shaped distal end, the distal end coming into contact with the marker insert when the marker insert is pressed with the indenter
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
According to a method for producing a stent which is formed into a tubular body and includes at least one marker formed from a marker housing and a marker insert including: using an indenter having a spherical shaped distal end, the distal end coming into contact with the marker insert when the marker insert is pressed with the indenter and is pressure fitted to an opening provided on the marker housing to fix it thereon, a sufficient load can be applied to a radiopaque marker insert when the marker insert is attached to the stent, and further a stent having a radiopaque marker whose marker housing has little damage can be produced.