Stent Wire Waveform Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to accurately and uniformly form waveforms in stents from single wires, as it is challenging to control the size and shape of individual waves and prevent deformation of the stent wire during the bending process.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a pair of tension wires in tension, which are rotated relative to a stent wire to form crowns and waves, allowing for precise control of wave amplitude, shape, and length by adjusting the wire length and rotation, with additional mechanisms like wire holders and forming members to ensure minimal deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a stent is formed from a single wire using conventional bending methods, then the stent structure can be created, but it is difficult to control the wave form size and shape uniformly
Solution Approach 1:
The forming apparatus divides the wire into discrete segments between forming members, allowing each segment to be independently formed into a wave. This segmentation enables precise control over wave form size and shape while maintaining a relatively simple apparatus structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus applies different forming conditions to different locations along the wire by varying the spacing and configuration of forming members at specific positions. This local quality approach allows each wave to be individually controlled for amplitude, wavelength, and shape while using a straightforward mechanical forming system.
2Reliability
If the wire is bent to form waves in the stent, then the stent can radially expand, but the wire may be adversely deformed during bending
Solution Approach 1:
The wire is pre-positioned between forming members at carefully controlled intervals before the bending operation. This preliminary positioning ensures that the wire is properly aligned and supported, preventing adverse deformation during the bending process while maintaining ease of manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
Forming members act as intermediaries between the bending force and the wire. These members distribute the bending force evenly across the wire surface, preventing localized stress concentrations that could cause wire deformation, while still enabling effective wave formation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual waves in the stent are to be controlled for size and shape, then the stent performance can be optimized, but it becomes difficult to achieve uniform variation in wave characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The forming apparatus uses dynamically adjustable forming members that can be positioned at variable intervals along the wire. This dynamic positioning capability allows each wave to be customized for size and shape while maintaining uniform manufacturing precision through controlled adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus controls wave characteristics by changing physical parameters such as the spacing between forming members, the bending force applied, and the position of forming members along the wire. These parameter changes enable individual wave customization while maintaining overall uniformity through systematic control.
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
Enables the formation of stents with controlled waveforms, allowing for precise customization of wave characteristics and minimizing deformation of the stent wire, thereby improving the radial expansion and support capabilities of the stent.
Implementation Method 1
Rotation of the tension wires with the stent wire disposed therebetween causes the tension wires to bend the stent wire, thus forming a crown therein
Implementation Method 2
The tension wires are in tension and are coupled to a device such that the tension wires rotate relative to a rotation axis
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for forming a wave form for a stent from a wire includes a pair of tension wires configured to rotate about an axis. The tension wires and axis are substantially orthogonal to the stent wire disposed in a gap between the tension wires. When the tension wires are rotated, a bend is formed in the portion of the stent wire disposed between the tension wires. The tension wires may be controlled such that the axis of rotation is aligned with the particular tension wire around which the stent wire is to be bent for each particular bend formed in the stent wire, thereby preventing the particular tension wire from translating during rotation such that the tension wire behaves like a rotary pipe bending die around which the stent wire is bent. A feed assembly feeds the stent wire into the forming area between the tension wires.