V-Shaped Capsule Coupling for Torque-Limited Cardiac Implant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical devices, specifically autonomous capsules, face challenges in secure anchoring to heart tissue without causing tissue damage and in easy repositioning or removal due to limitations in torque control and reversibility during implantation and explantation processes.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system with a V-shaped coupling member on the implantation tool and a convex surface on the capsule, combined with a retainer wire, allows for controlled torque transmission and automatic uncoupling to prevent tissue damage and facilitate easy repositioning or removal by limiting rotational torque and enabling reversible coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the anchoring member is screwed into the heart tissue to securely anchor the capsule, then the anchoring strength is improved, but the risk of tissue coring and damage increases due to excessive torque
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member acts as an intermediary between the implantation tool and the capsule, featuring a friction-based interface that limits torque transmission. The V-shaped engagement surface with convex surface creates controlled friction that prevents excessive torque from reaching the anchoring member, thereby avoiding tissue coring while maintaining secure anchoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member's friction-based torque limitation dynamically adjusts the torque parameter during screwing. As the anchoring member engages tissue and resistance increases, the friction interface at the coupling member slips or deforms, automatically limiting the torque transmitted to prevent tissue damage while allowing sufficient anchoring strength.
2Reliability
If the capsule is securely anchored to the heart wall, then the reliability of the implant is improved, but the ability to reposition or remove the capsule is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into separable components: the coupling member on the capsule and the conjugated coupling member on the implantation tool. This segmentation allows the capsule to be securely anchored during implantation while enabling easy separation for repositioning or removal by simply disconnecting the coupling members.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member transitions from a locked engaged state during implantation to a releasable state for removal. The friction-based connection provides dynamic characteristics, allowing the capsule to be firmly held during screwing but easily released when needed, thus balancing reliability with adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If a complex coupling mechanism is used to control torque and enable reversible coupling, then the precision of torque control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member utilizes self-limiting friction characteristics to automatically control torque without requiring external control mechanisms. The friction interface inherently limits torque transmission based on the normal force and friction coefficient, providing precise torque control through material properties rather than complex mechanical controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism relies on changing the friction parameter through the V-shaped geometry and material selection. By optimizing the contact surface angle and friction coefficient, the system achieves precise torque control through simple geometric parameters rather than complex active control systems.
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 system ensures safe and effective anchoring of the capsule to heart tissue while preventing tissue coring and allows for easy reimplantation or explantation, reducing manufacturing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The shapes are adapted to allow the transmission of a torque rotationally driving the capsule by the catheter
Implementation Method 2
The shape of the conjugated coupling member of the tool includes on the distal side in axial cross-section a V shape including two diverging arms, and the shape of the coupling member of the capsule includes at its proximal end a convex surface adapted to frictionally and slidingly urging against the diverging arms of the V-shape
Data Source
AI summary
A capsule includes a tubular body with, at its proximal end, a coupling member adapted to cooperate with a conjugated coupling member mounted at the distal end of a catheter of the implantation tool, for the transmission of a torque for the rotational driving of the capsule by the catheter. The coupling member of the tool includes a dihedral-shaped imprint, with two diverging arms in a V-arrangement, and the capsule coupling member includes a convex surface adapted to frictionally and slidingly urge against the diverging arms of the V-shape.