Elongated Medical Device Torquer Jaw Pad Recesses
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for elongated medical devices lack effective mechanisms to securely engage and center these devices during movement, leading to potential misalignment and damage during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a jaw assembly with pads having recesses and undulating surfaces that engage and center elongated medical devices, reducing lateral motion and contact with other surfaces, while a pusher and biasing member facilitate axial movement and rotation, ensuring secure pinching and clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional engagement mechanisms are used for elongated medical devices, then the device can be manipulated, but secure engagement and centering are not achieved, leading to misalignment and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The pad is divided into multiple recesses (first recess, second recess, third recess) that are offset from each other, with each recess engaging a different portion of the elongated medical device. This segmentation provides multiple engagement points that work together to securely center and hold the device without causing misalignment or damage.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the pad have different structural characteristics - the recesses are located at specific offset positions with varying depths and shapes. This local variation in structure creates targeted engagement zones that provide secure holding while allowing controlled movement, preventing both misalignment and damage.
2Ease of manufacture
If the pad structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but the ability to center and control lateral motion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pad structure is segmented into multiple recesses at offset positions, which can be manufactured using standard molding techniques. Each recess is a discrete feature that can be independently controlled during manufacturing, providing precise centering capability while remaining compatible with conventional manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The recesses have curved surfaces that conform to the shape of the elongated medical device. These curved geometries provide natural centering through geometric constraint while being easily manufacturable using standard mold design techniques. The curvature allows for precise positioning without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If the recesses are deeply formed, then engagement security is improved, but the risk of damaging the elongated medical device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement function is distributed across multiple recesses rather than concentrated in a single deep feature. Each recess provides a portion of the total engagement force, allowing secure holding while keeping individual recess depths moderate. This distribution prevents excessive localized pressure that could damage the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The recesses have varying depths and shapes tailored to the specific requirements of engagement security versus device protection. By localizing the engagement characteristics to specific offset positions, the design provides secure holding where needed while maintaining device safety in other areas through controlled recess geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for supporting an elongated medical device includes a first jaw having a first surface, a first pad arranged on the first surface of the first jaw, a second jaw having a second surface opposite the first surface, and a second pad arranged on the second surface of the second jaw. The first pad defines at least one first recess extending along at least a portion of a length of the first pad. The first pad and the second pad are configured to engage the elongated medical device. The at least one first recess is configured to maintain the elongated medical device at a center portion of the at least one first recess during movement of the elongated medical device.