Non-metallic TEE Probe Handle Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe handles are costly, complex, and prone to electrical isolation issues due to their metallic components, which complicates the articulation mechanism and increases manufacturing costs and assembly time.
Innovation Solution
A non-metallic mid-handle assembly for TEE probes that uses molded plastic components and non-metallic pull elements to simplify the articulation mechanism, eliminating the need for rack and pinion systems and providing improved electrical isolation through a monolithic brake switch and non-metallic control knobs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If metallic components and rack and pinion systems are used in the TEE probe handle, then the articulation mechanism provides precise control, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional metallic rack and pinion mechanical system with a non-metallic flexible cable pull system. The control cables with pull elements transmit mechanical force directly from the control knobs to the articulation mechanism, eliminating the need for complex metallic gears, racks, and associated housing components. This substitution maintains articulation control while dramatically simplifying the overall mechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the metallic rack and pinion components from the handle assembly, retaining only the essential control function. By taking out the complex metallic gear system and replacing it with a simplified non-metallic cable pull system, the design reduces the number of parts and assembly steps while preserving the core articulation capability.
2Strength
If metallic components are used in the TEE probe handle, then the structural strength is sufficient, but electrical isolation issues arise and grounding becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs non-metallic materials (such as reinforced plastics or composite materials) for the control cables and pull elements, which provide both the necessary mechanical strength for articulation control and inherent electrical isolation properties. This material selection eliminates the electrical isolation problems associated with metallic components while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing metallic structural components with non-metallic alternatives, the patent simultaneously achieves both mechanical strength and electrical isolation. The non-metallic control cables and pull elements provide sufficient tensile strength for articulation control without conducting electricity, thereby eliminating the need for complex grounding and isolation schemes.
3Reliability
If complex metallic assemblies are used in the TEE probe handle, then the articulation mechanism is robust, but the assembly time and labor cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex metallic rack, pinion, and associated housing components from the assembly, dramatically reducing the number of parts that need to be assembled. The simplified non-metallic cable pull system requires fewer assembly steps and less precise alignment, thereby increasing assembly speed and reducing labor costs while maintaining articulation robustness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple separate metallic components (rack, pinion, housing, fasteners) into a unified non-metallic cable pull system. This merging of functions into a simpler integrated system reduces assembly complexity and time, as fewer discrete parts need to be assembled and aligned with tight tolerances.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to a simplified transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe mid-handle assembly for actuating the pull cables that control the flexion of the distal end of the gastroscope portion of a TEE probe. The assembly includes a containment frame, two control wheels, two coaxial shafts each coupled to one of the control wheels, with an elongated flexible member wrapped around each shaft. The elongated flexible members may be friction belts, timing ladders, pulley cables, timing belts, or drive tapes to translate the rotational motion of the control wheels into linear motion of the gastroscope pull cables. The assembly may also include a brake switch that, when engaged, applies a resistance to rotation of the shafts and control wheels. In some embodiments, control wheels and containment frame are made of molded plastic, and the elongated flexible members are made of elastomeric compounds moulded over Kevlar, nylon, or metal reinforcement members to reduce stretch and increase life.