Torque Device for Sensor Guide Wire Connector Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing torque devices are not suitable for sensor guide wires due to the risk of damaging the delicate male connector during introduction, as they are prone to mechanical stress and misalignment.

Innovation Solution

A torque device with a grip body and cap design that compresses chuck segments around the guide wire, with the chuck segments directed towards the insertion path of the male connector to prevent misalignment and damage, and includes features like shoulders and resilient lips to ensure correct insertion and distribution of contact pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional torque device is used with a sensor guide wire, then the guide wire can be maneuvered, but the male connector is prone to damage due to misalignment and mechanical stress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaneuverability of guide wireVSAvoidintegrity of male connector

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The torque device is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion with a longitudinal passage, a cap portion with engagement features, and a collet mechanism with segmented jaws. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while reducing stress concentration on the male connector during insertion and maneuvering operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collet mechanism acts as an intermediary between the torque device and the guide wire, providing a gradual transition zone that reduces mechanical shock and misalignment forces during connector insertion. The collet's flexible jaws accommodate slight position variations without transmitting damaging forces to the male connector

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the chuck segments are positioned to clamp the guide wire securely, then clamping force is improved, but the male connector may misalign and abut the bottom of notches causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping force on guide wireVSAvoidmechanical damage to male connector

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The collet jaws are designed with asymmetric geometry where the clamping surfaces are angled relative to the longitudinal axis, creating a taper that guides the guide wire into proper alignment while clamping. This asymmetric design ensures that the clamping force is applied optimally without causing misalignment or allowing the male connector to abut the bottom of notches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The torque device is designed so that the collet engages and pre-aligns the guide wire before the male connector is fully inserted into the body portion. This preliminary alignment action prevents misalignment damage by establishing the correct position and orientation of the guide wire prior to connector engagement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8038628B2Torque device for a sensor guide wire

Publication Date: 2011.10.18 ST JUDE MEDICAL COORDINATION CENT

AI summary

The invention relates to a torque device for a sensor guide wire having a sensor provided at a distal portion and a male connector provided at the proximal end, which torque device comprises a grip body and a cap adapted to be joined to the grip body, and a number of chuck segments provided on the cap or the grip body, wherein the torque device is a one-way device defining an insertion direction for the sensor guide wire and wherein the chuck segments have free ends which are directed in the insertion direction.