Tubular compliant mechanisms for ultrasonic imaging systems and intravascular interventional devices
US7115092B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 18, 2003 |
| Grant date | Oct 3, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 1, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/0058
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A micromanipulator comprising a tubular structure and a structural compliance mechanism that are formed from a tube made of an elastic and/or superelastic material. Fabricated with laser machining and has no mechanical joints, the micromanipulator can be manipulated in various motions and degree-of-freedoms without permanent deformation. Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) in one embodiment are implemented as main actuators of the micromanipulator. The micromanipulator can be implemented with multiple SMAs to manipulate the mechanism with multiple degree-of-freedom. In another implementation, multiple segments of the mechanisms are formed and arranged in various configurations, including a “double-helix”-like configuration, for enabling intricate motions of the micromanipulator. The micromanipulator is useful for intravascular interventional applications and particularly ultrasonic imaging when coupled with an ultrasound transducer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.