Wire Guide Torque Device One-Handed Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire guide devices are cumbersome and require significant effort and time to engage, lock, and maneuver wire guides during medical procedures, often necessitating the use of both hands and assistance, which can divert attention from other critical tasks.
Innovation Solution
A wire guide torque device with a handle member, retaining ring, and lever mechanism that allows for easy insertion, advancement, and locking of the wire guide along its length, enabling one-handed operation and minimizing effort, using a groove and pin system to secure the wire guide with sufficient friction for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cylindrical body with a longitudinal slot and compression handles is used to grasp the wire guide, then the wire guide can be held and manipulated, but rotating the device may inadvertently press the compression handles causing the jaws to separate and release the wire guide
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the gripping function into two independent jaw assemblies that can be controlled separately. Each jaw is biased by its own spring and can be independently adjusted via separate control mechanisms, allowing one jaw to remain engaged while the other is operated during rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw assemblies are designed with spring biasing that allows dynamic adjustment of grip force. The springs provide continuous pressure on the wire guide while allowing controlled release when activation mechanisms are engaged, enabling secure holding during rotation without risk of complete release
2Ease of operation
If a slot extends the entire length of the device for side loading of the wire guide, then the wire guide can be easily inserted, but the smooth proximal end of the wire guide may slide out from between the jaws and exit the slot during use
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides different surface characteristics in different locations: the slot interior has smooth surfaces for easy insertion, while the jaw surfaces have textured or serrated gripping surfaces that provide high friction to prevent the wire guide from sliding out during use
Solution Approach 2:
The wire guide proximal end is given a rounded or curved profile that complements the curved gripping surfaces of the jaws. This curvature creates a mechanical interlock that prevents the wire guide from sliding out axially while still allowing easy lateral insertion through the slot
3Reliability
If pin-vise type wire grips with threaded chucks and collet are used to secure the wire guide, then the wire guide can be firmly held, but the device requires significant time to thread onto the wire guide and tighten the collet
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw assemblies are pre-positioned in an open state with spring bias already applied, eliminating the need for threading or tightening operations. The wire guide is simply inserted into the pre-configured gripping zone, and the springs automatically engage to provide firm holding without time-consuming assembly steps
4Reliability
If a locking nut portion that locks onto the wire when turned in one direction is used, then the wire guide can be secured, but the physician must utilize two hands to lock and unlock the device
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the locking and gripping functions into a single integrated jaw assembly. The spring-biased jaw provides continuous pressure that acts as both the securing force and the gripping force, eliminating the need for separate locking nuts and two-handed operation. One hand can control the activation mechanism while the other manipulates the wire guide
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 quick and efficient positioning and maneuvering of wire guides during medical procedures, reducing the need for assistance and minimizing procedural time, while maintaining secure engagement without damaging the wire guide.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member (50), such as spring or similar compressed biasing mechanism, engaged to the lever (40)
Implementation Method 2
The lever (40) presses against the wire guide (12) to create a frictional force between the groove (29) of the handle member (20) and the wire guide (12) that is sufficient to inhibit, limit, and/or prevent the movement of the wire guide (12) along the groove (29) of the handle member (20)
Data Source
AI summary
A wire guide torque device includes a handle member having a proximal end and a distal end wherein a groove extends between the proximal end and the distal end of the handle member for inserting a wire guide. A retaining ring is rotatably disposed on the proximal end of the handle member for securing the wire guide inside the groove along the proximal end of the handle member. A lever is slidably disposed in the distal end of the handle member for securing the wire guide inside the groove along the distal end of the handle member. The device further includes a pin having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is engaged with the lever and the second end is engaged with the handle member.