Wire-Steered Actuator Wheel Assembly for Precise Wire Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuating assemblies for wire steered devices, such as flexible catheters, are difficult to assemble, require precise tensioning, and are often large and expensive, leading to inefficient steering.
Innovation Solution
An actuating assembly with rotatable wheels and axles that allow for easy assembly and precise tensioning of steering wires, featuring interchangeable configurations and locking mechanisms to ensure proper wire tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional wire steered device actuating assemblies are used, then steering function is achieved, but assembly difficulty increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating assembly is divided into modular components: a body housing, a spool assembly, and wire attachments. The spool can be independently assembled and removed, allowing for simplified manufacturing and assembly procedures while maintaining the complete steering function.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool assembly serves multiple functions: it winds the steering wire, provides tensioning during assembly, and enables steering operation. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly.
2Reliability
If proper wire tension is achieved through traditional methods, then steering performance is maintained, but assembly difficulty and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spool assembly is pre-configured with wire attachment points and winding grooves that automatically guide the wire during assembly. This preliminary configuration ensures proper wire tension is achieved during the assembly process itself, without requiring additional tensioning devices or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool acts as an intermediary mechanism between the wire attachment and the steering device. It provides a controlled interface for wire tensioning through its winding geometry, ensuring proper tension is achieved without requiring direct complex tensioning mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If traditional steering mechanisms are used, then steering function is provided, but device size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spool assembly allows dynamic adjustment of wire tension and positioning during operation. The spool can rotate to wind or unwind wire as needed, providing flexible steering control. This dynamic mechanism replaces static, larger traditional steering mechanisms with a more compact, adaptable system.
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
Facilitates easy assembly and cost-effective manufacturing while achieving proper wire tension, eliminating backlash and improving steering efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the first wheel is rotatable about the axle to wind the first steering wire therearound and tension the first steering wire
Implementation Method 2
the axle teeth and first wheel axle engaging teeth engaging each other in the first wheel actuating configuration to force joint rotation about the rotation axis of the axle and first wheel
Data Source
AI summary
An actuating assembly (10) for a wire steered device (12) provided with at least one steering wire (14). The actuating assembly (10) includes a body (22) for mounting the wire steered device (12), an axle (38) mounted to the body, a wheel (24) mounted to the axle and including a wire attachment (96) for attaching the steering wire (14) thereto with the steering wire (14) wound around at least part of the wheel (24), and an actuator (34) for selectively rotating the axle (38). The wheel (24) is movable between configurations in which the wheel (24) is either rotatable about the axle (38) or fixed in rotation relative to the axle (38).