Segmented Stent Retractor Puzzle Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stent retractors are costly, complex, and not easily adjustable in length, often requiring multiple components and tools for adjustment, which can lead to tissue trauma and sharp edges during separation.

Innovation Solution

A stent retractor with a segmental construction using puzzle-piece connections that allow for easy, burr-free length adjustment via undercuts and chamfered edges, enabling in-situ adaptation without the need for assembly or specialized tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used to construct the retractor, then the retractor can be adjusted in length and adapted to different applications, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelength adjustment capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retractor is divided into multiple separable segments that can be connected in different configurations. Each segment contains integration elements that allow them to be joined together like puzzle pieces, enabling length adjustment and adaptation to different applications while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The integration elements are designed with nested structures where protrusions of one segment fit into recesses of adjacent segments. This nesting approach allows multiple segments to be connected in a compact manner, reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If traditional connection methods are used to join retractor segments, then the segments can be securely connected, but sharp edges and burrs are created during separation that can cause tissue trauma

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesegment connection strengthVSAvoidtissue trauma from sharp edges

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of creating sharp edges that need to be removed, the integration elements are designed with inverted geometry where the cutting edges are reversed. This allows segments to be separated by pushing them together rather than pulling apart, eliminating the creation of sharp edges and burrs that could cause tissue trauma while maintaining secure connection during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Manufacturing precision

If complex assembly tools are used to adjust retractor length, then precise length adjustment can be achieved, but the ease of operation decreases and requires specialized tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelength adjustment precisionVSAvoidadjustment operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The integration elements are designed to be self-aligning and self-locking through their geometric shapes. The protrusions and recesses automatically align when segments are brought together, and the connection locks into place without requiring specialized tools or complex assembly procedures, thereby maintaining precision while greatly simplifying operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11154287B2Retractor having a puzzle-type connection

Publication Date: 2021.10.26 AESCULAP AG

AI summary

A stent retractor has a radially flexibly expandable tubular sheath divided in the peripheral direction into at least two sections, specifically a reinforcing section and an expanding section, with radial flexibilities that differ from one another, these sections being interconnected integrally. The stent retractor includes axial segments that are connected by a puzzle-type connection allowing simple separation or length adjustment in the axial direction (including when in situ) while also being made integrally, for example by a laser or water jet cutting method, preferably from a tubular blank.