Tensioning Member for Flexible Conductor Bundle Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Intravascular medical devices face challenges in maintaining the configuration of flexible elongate members, such as flexible conductor bundles, to prevent deformation and ensure proper functionality within bodily lumens, particularly in minimizing bending and folding that can lead to undesirable consequences.

Innovation Solution

The medical device incorporates a tensioning member secured to the flexible conductor bundle, which is axially movable within elongate shafts and actuated by a handle assembly, applying tension to maintain the bundle in a substantially flattened configuration, thereby preventing deformation and ensuring optimal positioning within the body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the flexible conductor bundle is allowed to extend freely within the elongate shaft, then the device can be easily manufactured and assembled, but the flexible conductor bundle will deform, fold, or bunch up leading to undesirable consequences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidconfiguration stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioning member is pre-positioned within the elongate shaft and secured to the flexible conductor bundle before the shaft is inserted into the medical device. This preliminary positioning ensures that the flexible conductor bundle is already under appropriate tension and in the correct configuration before the device is assembled and used, preventing deformation during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The tensioning member acts as an intermediary element between the flexible conductor bundle and the elongate shaft. It transfers and maintains the necessary tension on the flexible conductor bundle while allowing the shaft to move independently, thus preventing folding and bunching without constraining the overall device movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the flexible conductor bundle is secured rigidly to prevent deformation, then configuration stability is improved, but the flexibility and adaptability of the medical device is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration stabilityVSAvoiddevice flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioning member is positioned at specific locations along the flexible conductor bundle rather than securing the entire bundle rigidly. This localized tensioning approach maintains configuration stability at critical points while allowing the rest of the flexible conductor bundle to remain adaptable and flexible for device movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The tensioning member is designed to be axially movable within the elongate shaft, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and maintain appropriate tension on the flexible conductor bundle during device operation. This dynamic capability ensures configuration stability while preserving device flexibility and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a tensioning member is added to maintain the flexible conductor bundle configuration, then deformation is minimized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration stabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioning member is designed to serve multiple functions: it maintains tension on the flexible conductor bundle, prevents folding and bunching, allows axial movement within the shaft, and can be positioned at different locations along the bundle. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If the flexible conductor bundle is allowed to move axially freely, then ease of operation is improved, but the bundle will deform and fold

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial movement freedomVSAvoidconfiguration stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the tension parameter of the flexible conductor bundle dynamically through the movable tensioning member. As the bundle moves axially, the tensioning member adjusts to maintain optimal tension levels, preventing deformation while allowing free movement. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between movement freedom and configuration stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution effectively minimizes deformation of flexible conductor bundles, maintaining their configuration and preventing folding, which enhances the usability and control of intravascular medical devices during procedures.

Implementation Method 1

A tensioning member secured to one or more surfaces of the flexible member (e.g., a flexible conductor bundle) at a second location that is proximal to where the medical tool is secured to the flexible member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS20240358351A1Medical tool positioning devices, systems, and methods of use and manufacture

Publication Date: 2024.10.31 NUVERA MEDICAL INC

AI summary

Steerable medical devices that include one or more elongate shafts and a medical tool in a distal region. The medical devices include a handle portion for controlling one or more aspects of the medical device.