Wire Feeding Device with Dynamic Grip and Elastic Biasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wire feeding devices for medical applications, such as penetrating occluding objects in blood vessels, face challenges with limited pushing force, requiring multiple guide wires and relying on manual effort and technician skill, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A wire feeding device with a grip portion, an elastic body, and an energizing portion that applies consistent force to feed the wire distally, allowing for continuous or controlled wire feeding modes, enhancing the ability to penetrate occluding objects with reduced wire usage and operator effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring-based wire feeding device is used, then the wire can be fed with automated control, but the pushing force is relatively limited and may not be sufficient for the wire to penetrate an occluding object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic wire feeding mechanism where the grip portion moves between a retracted position and a forward position, creating a pushing motion that generates sufficient force to penetrate occluding objects. The grip portion is configured to grip the wire and move forward a predetermined distance, then release and retract, repeating this cyclic motion to progressively advance the wire through the occlusion with each cycle accumulating penetrating force.
2Manufacturing precision
If the engagement between the engagement member and grip member is cancelled to prevent exceeding a given moving amount, then the wire moving amount can be controlled, but the moving amount may vary depending on the timing when the engagement is cancelled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a predetermined movement distance mechanism where the grip portion is designed to move the wire a specific predetermined distance during each feeding cycle. The engagement member and grip member are configured with predetermined engagement and release timing, ensuring that the wire is pushed exactly the intended distance before the engagement is cancelled. This preliminary configuration of movement parameters ensures both precision and consistency in wire feeding.
3Reliability
If multiple guide wires are used to penetrate occluding objects, then the ability to penetrate difficult occlusions is improved, but the cost and effort to replace wires increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous wire feeding system where the grip portion repeatedly grips and pushes the same wire through the occluding object over multiple cycles. Instead of replacing wires, the system maintains continuous pushing action on a single wire, gradually advancing it through the occlusion by accumulating force over repeated engagement cycles. This continuous action eliminates the need for multiple wire replacements while maintaining the ability to penetrate difficult occlusions.
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 device effectively feeds wires with a controlled and consistent force, improving the ability to penetrate occluding objects in blood vessels, reducing the need for multiple wires and manual effort, while maintaining precise control.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body that is able to energize the grip portion toward the distal end direction
Data Source
AI summary
A wire feeding device includes a grip portion that grips and releases the wire and moves in the distal end direction and a proximal end direction; a push spring that biases the grip portion toward the distal end direction; and a slider and a hook that deform the push spring and increase a biasing force. When the deformation of the push spring by the slider and the hook is released, the wire gripped by the grip portion is fed to the distal end direction by the biasing force from the push spring, and the wire feeding device is configured to be operated in (i) a first mode in which the wire is continuously fed in the distal end direction according to a first predetermined operation and (ii) a second mode in which the wire is fed once in the distal end direction according to a second predetermined operation.