Stent Strand End Coupling Using Laser-Welded Intermediary Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stents with strands, such as self-expanding stents, face challenges in securely fastening the ends of wires, particularly when made from nickel-titanium alloys, as existing methods do not effectively address the need for reliable and consistent welding of coupling structures to ensure structural integrity and alignment during insertion into anatomical structures.
Innovation Solution
The method involves welding coupling structures to the ends of strands in a stent, where the coupling structures are not part of the strands themselves, using laser welding to create separate welded regions on each strand end portion, ensuring alignment and secure attachment without direct connection between the welded regions, and positioning them in axial alignment parallel to the stent's longitudinal axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding coupling structures to strand ends is performed to secure attachment, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to precise alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure serves as an intermediary component between the two strand ends. It includes a first coupling end that interfaces with the first strand end and a second coupling end that interfaces with the second strand end, mediating the connection and simplifying the welding process by providing dedicated coupling interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling structure is segmented into distinct functional portions: a first coupling end portion for securing to the first strand end, a second coupling end portion for securing to the second strand end, and a coupling body portion connecting them. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function and simplifies the overall attachment process
2Stability of the object's composition
If coupling structures are positioned in axial alignment parallel to the longitudinal axis, then alignment and structural stability are improved, but positioning precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure serves multiple functions: it aligns the strand ends axially, provides a secure welding interface, maintains structural stability during insertion, and ensures proper positioning parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment mechanisms
3Reliability
If separate welded regions are created on each strand end portion, then secure attachment is improved, but welding process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure acts as an intermediary that receives separate welded attachments from each strand end. The first coupling end is welded to the first strand end to form a first welded region, and the second coupling end is welded to the second strand end to form a second welded region. This intermediary approach allows separate welding operations while maintaining overall attachment reliability
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 enhances the structural integrity of the stent by ensuring secure and consistent attachment of strand ends, maintaining alignment and preventing separation, even under axial compression, thereby improving the stent's performance and reliability during deployment in anatomical structures.
Implementation Method 1
The welding may be accomplished by laser welding each of the coupling structures to the first strand end portion to create a first welded region and by laser welding the coupling structure to the second strand end portion to create a second welded region
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods for securing strand ends of devices configured for insertion into an anatomical structure, and the resulting devices.