US Patent 9173642 Elongate medical device handle autolock

An embodiment of a handle assembly for an elongate medical device that may reduce the weight and/or expense of traditional handle may include an exterior adjusting knob extending along a longitudinal axis and configured to rotate about the axis, an insert, and a dowel pin. The insert may be configured to engage the adjusting knob and to rotate about the axis responsive to rotation of the adjusting knob. The insert may comprise an annular groove configured to engage a dowel pin, the annular groove comprising a sidewall comprising a chamfer. The dowel pin may be configured to engage the annular groove to resist rotation of the insert. In an embodiment, the insert may comprise plastic or polymer.