Wire Lock Assembly Non-Linear Pathway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical procedures involving wire guides in areas like the gastrointestinal system require constant manipulation, often necessitating additional assistance to maintain the wire guide's position, diverting attention from other critical patient care tasks.
Innovation Solution
A wire lock assembly with a non-linear pathway and attachment mechanism that secures wire guides in place, allowing for stable positioning without requiring constant manual adjustment, featuring a snap-fit mechanism and seals to prevent fluid leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wire guides are used to access narrow passageways in the gastrointestinal system, then visual access to target anatomy is achieved, but constant manual manipulation is required which diverts attention from other critical patient care tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The wire lock assembly enables the wire guide to secure itself automatically through a self-locking mechanism. The J-shaped configuration of the wire guide works with the locking component to automatically engage and lock the wire guide in place without requiring continuous manual manipulation, thus allowing the assistant to attend to other critical patient care tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The wire lock assembly acts as an intermediary device between the wire guide and the operator. It provides a mechanical interface that translates the J-shaped configuration of the wire guide into a locked position, serving as a mediator that maintains wire guide position without requiring direct continuous manual intervention
2Reliability
If additional personnel are assigned to hold and manipulate the wire guide, then wire guide positioning is maintained, but attention from other critical patient care tasks is diverted
Solution Approach 1:
The wire lock assembly is a self-actuating device that automatically locks the wire guide in place through its mechanical design. The locking component engages with the J-shaped wire guide to create a self-sustaining locked position, eliminating the need for additional personnel to manually hold the wire guide and allowing them to focus on other critical patient care tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fit mechanism provides strong mechanical engagement that rapidly and securely locks the wire guide in position. This strong locking action ensures reliable wire guide positioning without requiring continuous manual intervention, thereby improving procedural efficiency by freeing up personnel for other critical tasks
3Reliability
If the wire guide is secured in place, then access to target anatomy is maintained, but the device complexity increases with additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The wire lock assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: the locking component with the open-ended configuration, the wire guide with its J-shaped distal end, and the engagement interface. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to maintain wire guide position, providing reliable access maintenance without excessive overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex active locking mechanism that requires actuation, the design uses a passive self-locking approach. The J-shaped configuration of the wire guide naturally engages with the locking component to create a locked position through its own geometry, inverting the traditional approach where the locking mechanism actively secures the wire guide
Data Source
AI summary
A wire lock assembly for an access port of an elongate medical tube includes a body having an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a central opening disposed therethrough, an attachment mechanism disposed through the exterior surface of the body, the attachment mechanism having an open end and a closed end, at least one notch arranged on the body and positioned proximate to the central opening and at least one seal supported within the interior surface of the body in communication with the central opening, the seal comprising a passageway therethrough, where the interior surface of the body defines a non-linear pathway for securing one or more medical devices.