Thermoplastic Pin Welding for Reliable Medical Device Cable Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fixing actuation cables to the pivoting part of medical devices like endoscopes are delicate and unreliable, leading to potential detachment and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a pivoting part with thermoplastic pins featuring a radial recess and a bead formation through welding is used to securely fix the actuation cables, ensuring durable and efficient attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fixing methods (threading, screwing, crimping) are used to attach actuation cables to the pivoting part, then the cable can be secured, but the operation becomes delicate and time-consuming, increasing manufacturing complexity and potential for unreliable fixing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical fixing methods (threading, screwing, crimping) with a thermal welding process. The pin is heated to a welding temperature and then pressed against the cable, melting the thermoplastic material to create a strong bond. This substitution of thermal-mechanical welding for purely mechanical fixing eliminates the delicacy and time-consuming nature of conventional methods while maintaining or improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the temperature parameter by heating the pin to a welding temperature that softens the thermoplastic material. This parameter change (from room temperature to welding temperature) enables the material to flow and bond with the cable, creating a strong, reliable fixation that is achieved through a simple heating and pressing operation rather than delicate manual assembly.
2Reliability
If delicate manual fixing operations are performed to attach cables, then cable attachment can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and increases production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The welding process replaces time-consuming manual operations with an automated thermal-mechanical process. The pin is heated and pressed against the cable in a single operation that simultaneously achieves both heating and bonding, eliminating multiple separate steps required by conventional methods and significantly increasing manufacturing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin is pre-heated to welding temperature before contact with the cable. This preliminary heating action prepares the thermoplastic material in advance, so that when the pin contacts the cable, bonding occurs immediately upon pressing, eliminating the need for prolonged assembly operations and increasing productivity.
3Reliability
If conventional fixing methods are used, then cable attachment can be achieved, but the complexity of the fixing operation increases, requiring more skilled labor and precise procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex multi-step mechanical procedures (threading, positioning, screwing, crimping) with a single thermal-mechanical welding operation. The heating element activates the thermoplastic material, and a simple pressing action completes the bonding, dramatically simplifying the procedure while maintaining durability through the strong weld bond.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoplastic material of the pin serves its dual function of both structural support and bonding agent. When heated, the material softens and flows to bond with the cable itself, eliminating the need for separate adhesives, threads, or crimping elements. The pin performs the bonding function through its own material properties, reducing overall system complexity.
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
The method provides a robust and cost-effective solution for fixing actuation cables, enhancing the reliability and durability of the cable attachment to the pivoting part.
Implementation Method 1
heating at least the free end of the pin and applying a pressure on the pin to ensure, by welding, the fixing of the actuation cable with the pivoting part
Implementation Method 2
heating at least the free end of the pin and applying a pressure on the pin to ensure, by welding, the fixing of the actuation cable with the pivoting part
Data Source
AI summary
A method for fixing one end of an actuation cable configured to allow orienting of the distal head of a medical device including providing a pivoting part provided with at least one fixing pin made of thermoplastic material for fixing a proximal end of an actuation cable, arranging, from the terminal part of the pin, a radially through recess to allow the insertion of the actuation cable, positioning the actuation cable inside the recess, letting a free end of the pin project, and heating at least the free end of the pin and applying a pressure on the pin to ensure, by welding, the fixing of the actuation cable with the pivoting part.