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Publication Number
US-12465725-B2
Publication Date
2025-11-11
Expiration Date
Abstract
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).
Core Innovation
The actuating assembly for a wire-steered device comprises an axle defining a rotation axis and a wheel mounted to the axle with a wire attachment configured to control movement of a steering wire. In a mounting configuration, the wheel rotates about the rotation axis independently of the axle to wind the steering wire and tension it to an operational tension. In an actuating configuration, the wheel and the axle rotate jointly.
The arrangement permits the steering wire to be tensioned before the wheel is coupled for joint rotation, facilitating assembly and fine tension adjustment while reducing backlash or slack. The actuating assembly further includes a knob-driven gear train within an actuator housing for mechanical actuation of a peripheral attachment, providing structural support for auxiliary actuation features.
Claims Coverage
The relevant claims include one independent claim covering one inventive feature.
Wheel movable between independent and joint rotation configurations
The actuating assembly comprises an axle defining a rotation axis and a wheel mounted to the axle with a wire attachment configured to control movement of a steering wire. The wheel rotates independently of the axle in a mounting configuration to wind and tension the steering wire to an operational tension, and rotates jointly with the axle in an actuating configuration.
The claim coverage focuses on the configurable rotation of the wheel relative to the axle for wire winding, tensioning, and actuation, with dependent claims reciting a biasing element, a flat steering wire, a second wheel and wire, ferrule-mediated tension, and an auxiliary knob for actuating a peripheral attachment.
Stated Advantages
The arrangement facilitates assembly and fine tension adjustment, reducing backlash or slack.
Documented Applications
Steering flexible catheters and other wire-steered devices.
Controlling movement of a wire-steered device by actuating its steering wire.
Mechanical actuation of a peripheral attachment using an auxiliary knob and gear arrangement.
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