Varying Diameter Support Member for Intraluminal Imaging Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intraluminal imaging devices face challenges with fluid ingress and mechanical strength at the junction between the catheter shaft and imaging assembly due to traditional cylindrical support members, leading to inconsistent seals and limited navigational capability.
Innovation Solution
A support member with varying diameters is used, creating an annular lumen for adhesive placement, which enhances adhesion and reduces manual shaping variability, improving the seal and navigational flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional cylindrical support member with uniform diameter is used, then structural strength at the junction is provided, but the seal is prone to fluid ingress and the outer profile has high variation due to manual shaping
Solution Approach 1:
The support member features a proximal section with a first diameter and a distal section with a second diameter, creating non-uniform local geometry. The proximal section provides structural strength while the distal section with smaller diameter creates an annular lumen that accommodates adhesive, eliminating the need for manual shaping and ensuring consistent seals across all devices.
2Strength
If adhesive is applied mostly to the outer surface of the shaft and imaging assembly, then additional mechanical strength is provided, but the seal is prone to fluid ingress and moisture exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The distal section of the support member with smaller diameter acts as an intermediary structure that creates an annular lumen. This lumen allows adhesive to be applied internally at the junction interface between the support member and imaging assembly, creating a seal that is protected from external fluid exposure while still providing mechanical strength.
3Strength
If the support member is made of stiff materials to provide structural strength, then junction strength is improved, but the navigational capability of the device is impacted due to limited flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The support member employs different diameters in different sections: the proximal section with larger diameter provides structural strength for junction support, while the distal section with smaller diameter reduces stiffness to improve flexibility and navigational capability. This local differentiation allows the device to maintain both strength and flexibility.
4Shape
If assembly operators manually shape and smooth the adhesive by hand, then a relatively smooth transition across the joint is achieved, but high variation in outer profile and seal integrity results between operators and devices
Solution Approach 1:
The distal section of the support member with its smaller diameter automatically creates an annular lumen that defines the adhesive application geometry. This self-structuring feature eliminates the need for manual shaping and smoothing operations, as the adhesive naturally fills the annular lumen to create a consistent smooth transition across all devices without operator intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
An intraluminal imaging device is provided that includes a flexible elongate member (115) configured for positioning within a body lumen of a patient, a support member (300) coupled to the flexible elongate member, and an imaging assembly (110) coupled to the support member. The support member can include a proximal section (310) configured to interface with a distal portion of the flexible elongate member and a distal section (320) configured to interface with a proximal end of the imaging assembly, wherein the proximal section has a first diameter and the distal section has a second diameter less than the first diameter.