A flexible runner assembly and propulsion device
The endoscope is propelled axially by the fluid propulsion within the flexible flow channel assembly, which solves the looping problem when the endoscope is inserted into the human body cavity, reduces the difficulty of operation and the risk of intestinal perforation, and improves the reliability of insertion and patient comfort.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202421467951.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-25
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-06-26
AI Technical Summary
The lack of existing technology for assisting in the insertion of endoscopes into human cavities necessitates highly skilled operators to untangle loops, increasing the risk of intestinal perforation.
The endoscope is advanced along the axial direction by supplying fluid within the flexible flow channel assembly and using the fluid's propulsion, thus avoiding looping problems and reducing operational difficulty and the risk of intestinal perforation.
It reduces the skill requirements for operators, improves the reliability and safety of endoscopic insertion, reduces lumen friction, and ensures the reliability of the insertion process and patient comfort.
Smart Images
Figure CN224671478U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a flexible flow channel assembly and a propulsion device. Background Technology
[0002] A colonoscope is a type of endoscope that is inserted through the anus into the colon and reaches the cecum to examine the entire interior of the colon. A colonoscope is approximately 170 cm long, and general anesthesia is usually required to examine the entire length of the colon.
[0003] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the human colon is shown. From Figure 1 As can be seen, the human body consists of the rectum (11), sigmoid colon (12), descending colon (13), splenic flexure (14), transverse colon (15), hepatic flexure (16), and ascending colon (17) between the anus and cecum. There are significant bends between adjacent sections of the colon. During endoscopic insertion, the operator applies force externally while holding the insertion point. When the insertion point is in a bend, a loop may form. Even if the operator continues to apply force, the distal end of the insertion point may not advance along the direction of the colonic bend; instead, the insertion point at the loop may move against the colonic wall. Due to the presence of loops, intestinal perforation is easily caused during insertion.
[0004] When loops occur during endoscopic insertion, the operator's experience is usually relied upon to untangle them before insertion can proceed. For example, the operator can move the colon by controlling the bending, twisting, and retraction of the insertion part to untangle the loop before continuing insertion. This method requires extremely high skill from the operator, who may need thousands of actual operations to successfully untangle loops when encountered.
[0005] Since there is a lack of devices in the existing technology to assist in the insertion of endoscopes into human cavities, providing an auxiliary component that can assist in the insertion of colonoscopes is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content
[0006] This utility model discloses a flexible flow channel assembly and a propulsion device to solve the technical problem of the lack of devices for assisting the insertion of endoscopes into human cavities in related technologies.
[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: The first aspect of this invention provides a flexible flow channel assembly.
[0008] The flexible flow channel assembly of this utility model is used in a propulsion device. The flexible flow channel assembly includes a first flexible layer and a second flexible layer. A plurality of connecting portions are provided circumferentially between the first flexible layer and the second flexible layer. The connecting portions extend along the axial direction of the flexible flow channel assembly. The connecting portions divide the area between the first flexible layer and the second flexible layer into a plurality of fluid channels for accommodating fluid.
[0009] The second aspect of this utility model provides a propulsion device.
[0010] The propulsion device of this utility model includes the flexible flow channel assembly described in any one of the technical solutions of this utility model.
[0011] The technical solution of this utility model has at least the following beneficial technical effects: In the first aspect, the flexible flow channel assembly of this utility model divides the area between the first flexible layer and the second flexible layer into multiple fluid channels through the connecting part. When it is used in a propulsion device, the flexible flow channel assembly is initially stacked along its axial direction. The fluid supplied to the far end of the fluid channel can extend the flexible flow channel assembly along its axial direction, thereby pushing the component to be inserted to move by extending the flexible flow channel assembly along its axial direction.
[0012] As can be seen, when the flexible flow channel assembly of this utility model is used as an endoscope propulsion device, the endoscope insertion part can be pushed into the human cavity by the extension of the flexible flow channel assembly along its axial direction. Since the propulsive force generated by the fluid can always be located at the distal end of the insertion part, the looping problem caused by applying force at the proximal end of the insertion part can be avoided. This propulsion method can not only reduce the risk of intestinal perforation, but also eliminate the need for the operator to perform the unlooping operation based on experience, thereby reducing the skill requirements of the operator and solving the technical problem of the extremely high requirements for the operator in the insertion of colonoscopes in related technologies.
[0013] The flexible flow channel assembly of this utility model solves the technical problem of the lack of devices to assist in inserting endoscopes into human cavities in related technologies.
[0014] Secondly, in the flexible flow channel assembly of this utility model, the fluid channel is located between the first flexible layer and the second flexible layer. When the flexible flow channel assembly is fitted with the component to be inserted, the sealing of the fluid channel can be achieved through the sealing between the first flexible layer and the second flexible layer, so that the sealing of the fluid channel will not constrain the component to be inserted, thereby improving the reliability of the forward movement of the component to be inserted.
[0015] Thirdly, the flexible flow channel assembly of this utility model divides the area between the first flexible layer and the second flexible layer into multiple fluid channels through the connecting part, which can reduce the friction between the inner flexible layer and the component to be inserted, thereby improving the consistency of the stroke during the extension of the first flexible layer and the second flexible layer, so as to ensure that the flexible flow channel assembly can push the component to be inserted into the longer cavity.
[0016] Fourthly, the flexible flow channel assembly of this utility model divides the area between the first flexible layer and the second flexible layer into multiple fluid channels through the connecting part, so that the diameter of each fluid channel is small. When the flexible flow channel assembly of this utility model is used to advance the endoscope and supply fluid into the fluid channel, the bends formed in the bending areas of the cavity by the smaller diameter flow channels are smooth and not prone to sharp bends, thereby ensuring the reliability of the flexible flow channel assembly extending along its axial direction.
[0017] Fifthly, the flexible flow channel assembly of this utility model divides the area between the first flexible layer and the second flexible layer into multiple fluid channels through the connecting part. When the flexible flow channel assembly of this utility model is used in an endoscope, and fluid is supplied into the fluid channels, a groove can be formed between two adjacent fluid channels. This groove facilitates the discharge of gas in the cavity, which is beneficial for a real and clear assessment of the cavity condition and also helps to alleviate patient discomfort. Attached Figure Description
[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0019] Figure 1 This is a diagram of the human colon; Figure 2 This is a first schematic diagram of the flexible flow channel assembly according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a second schematic diagram of the flexible flow channel assembly according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a third schematic diagram of the flexible flow channel assembly according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a fourth schematic diagram of the flexible flow channel assembly according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the fluid channel formed between the first flexible layer and the insertion part; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the fluid channel formed between the first flexible layer and the support. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible flow channel assembly and the insertion part in an embodiment of this application; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a flexible flow channel assembly without connecting parts extending within a cavity; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible flow channel assembly extending within the cavity according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the first flexible layer according to the first preferred embodiment of this application; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the first flexible layer in the second preferred embodiment of this application; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the unfolded first flexible layer and the second flexible layer according to the first preferred embodiment of this application; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the unfolded first flexible layer and the second flexible layer according to the second preferred embodiment of this application; Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the unfolded first flexible layer and second flexible layer according to the third preferred embodiment of this application; Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the sleeve structure formed by the first flexible layer and the second flexible layer; Figure 17 This is the fifth schematic diagram of the flexible flow channel assembly according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 18 This is a sixth schematic diagram of the flexible flow channel assembly according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the guide component installed in the fluid channel according to an embodiment of this application.
[0020] In the diagram: 11. Rectum; 12. Sigmoid colon; 13. Descending colon; 14. Splenic flexure; 15. Transverse colon; 16. Hepatic flexure; 17. Ascending colon; 101. Flexible support layer; 102. Composite layer; 110. First flexible layer; 111. First connecting position; 120. Second flexible layer; 121. Second connecting position; 130. Connecting part; 140. Fluid channel; 150. First connecting part; 160. Second connecting part; 170. First end; 180. Second end; 191. Smooth bend; 192. Sharp bend; 193. Groove; 210. Support part; 220. Guide element; 310. Insertion part. Detailed Implementation
[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other implementation methods obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0022] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.
[0023] In the various embodiments of this application, "near end" and "far end" refer to the distance of each component from the user in the usage environment. The end closer to the user is designated as the "near end", and the end farther from the user is designated as the "far end".
[0024] In related technologies, during endoscope insertion, the operator holds the endoscope insertion part and applies force externally. When the insertion part is in a bending area, looping may occur. Due to the presence of looping, intestinal perforation can easily occur during insertion. To address this, this application provides a flexible flow channel assembly and a propulsion device. Fluid filled within the flexible flow channel assembly provides forward propulsion to the distal end of the insertion part. This insertion method avoids looping of the insertion part, thereby reducing the difficulty of endoscope insertion.
[0025] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 2 to 19 The flexible flow channel assembly and propulsion device provided in this application will be described in detail through specific embodiments and application scenarios.
[0026] The first aspect of this embodiment describes the flexible flow channel assembly in detail.
[0027] The flexible flow channel assembly of this embodiment is used in a propulsion device. Specifically, the flexible flow channel assembly forms a fluid channel 140 in the propulsion device. The propulsion device is a device that moves the component to be inserted. The component to be inserted is, for example, the insertion part 310 of an endoscope. The endoscope can be a digestive endoscope, esophagoscope, gastroscope, colonoscope, etc. The following description uses the insertion part 310 of an endoscope as an example of the component to be inserted.
[0028] For example, the flexible flow channel assembly in this embodiment is a cylindrical structure. The cylindrical structure can be a cylindrical structure; or it can be a cylindrical structure similar to a cylinder. The dimensions of the cylindrical structure can be the same at all points; or the dimensions of the cylindrical structure can be different at all points.
[0029] The flexible flow channel assembly in this embodiment includes a first flexible layer 110 and a second flexible layer 120, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of connecting portions 130 are provided circumferentially between the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120. The connecting portions 130 extend along the axial direction of the flexible flow channel assembly, dividing the area between the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120 into a plurality of fluid channels 140. The fluid channels 140 are used to accommodate fluid, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown. For example, the number of connecting parts 130 is at least two.
[0030] The number of connectors 130 can be determined based on the component to be inserted to ensure that the fluid in each fluid channel 140 can generate sufficient driving force to move the insertion component. For example, for an insertion part 310 where the component to be inserted is an endoscope, the number of connectors 130 can be 3 to 8.
[0031] The connecting portions 130 can be evenly distributed along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical structure, so that each fluid channel 140 has the same volume. Not limited to this, the dimensions between two adjacent connecting portions 130 can also be different, so that the cylindrical structure forms multiple fluid channels 140 with different volumes.
[0032] For example, the connecting part 130 may be formed by welding, gluing, or integral injection molding. Welding may be high-frequency welding, heat sealing welding, arc welding, etc.
[0033] The connecting portion 130 extends along the axial direction of the flexible flow channel assembly. Specifically, the connecting portion 130 may extend from the distal end to the proximal end of the flexible flow channel assembly, that is, the length of the connecting portion 130 is less than the length of the flexible flow channel assembly; or the connecting portion 130 may extend from the distal end to the proximal end of the flexible flow channel assembly, that is, the length of the connecting portion 130 is the same as the length of the flexible flow channel assembly.
[0034] As is known, both ends of the fluid channel 140 should be sealed for containing fluid. The sealing of both ends of the fluid channel 140 can be an integral part of the manufacturing process, or it can be achieved after the flexible flow channel assembly is fitted with the support portion 210 and the endoscope insertion portion 310. By sealing both ends of the fluid channel 140, a driving force can be generated at the distal end of the fluid channel 140. The sealing of both ends of the fluid channel 140 can take the form of welding seal, adhesive seal, or fastener seal, etc., and is not limited here.
[0035] The fluid mentioned in this embodiment can be a gaseous fluid or a liquid fluid. Examples of gaseous fluids include carbon dioxide, air, and nitrogen, while examples of liquid fluids include purified water and saline solution.
[0036] When the flexible flow channel assembly of this embodiment is used in a propulsion device, the flexible flow channel assembly is initially stacked along its axial direction. The flexible flow channel assembly can be extended along its axial direction by the fluid supplied to the distal end of the fluid channel 140. The extension of the flexible flow channel assembly along its axial direction can push the insertion part 310 of the endoscope to move, thereby pushing the insertion part 310 into the human body cavity.
[0037] In this embodiment, the flexible flow channel assembly ensures that the driving force generated by the fluid is always located at the distal end of the insertion part 310, thereby avoiding the looping problem caused by applying force at the proximal end of the insertion part 310. This advancement method not only reduces the risk of intestinal perforation, but also eliminates the need for the operator to perform unlooping operations, reducing the skill requirements for the operator and solving the technical problem in the related art where the insertion of colonoscopes requires extremely high operator skills.
[0038] In addition, the flexible flow channel assembly of this embodiment also has the following beneficial technical effects: The flexible flow channel assembly in this embodiment includes a first flexible layer 110 and a second flexible layer 120. A fluid channel 140 is located between the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120. When the flexible flow channel assembly is fitted with the component to be inserted, the sealing of the proximal end of the fluid channel 140 can be achieved through the sealing between the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120 (e.g., Figure 8 As shown), this ensures that the seal at the proximal end of the fluid channel 140 does not constrain the component to be inserted (the inventors discovered that when the flexible flow channel assembly only has the first flexible layer 110, a fluid channel 140 is formed between the first flexible layer 110 and the component to be inserted. Sealing the fluid channel 140 requires sealing both ends of the first flexible layer 110 with the component to be inserted, thus restricting the forward movement of the component to be inserted, such as...). Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in the figure, this can improve the reliability of the forward movement of the component to be inserted.
[0039] In this embodiment, the flexible flow channel assembly divides the area between the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120 into multiple fluid channels 140 through the connecting portion 130. The size of each fluid channel 140 is reduced, and with the restriction of the connecting portion 130, the expansion of the fluid channel 140 after it is filled with fluid is limited, thereby allowing each fluid channel 140 to enclose and form a hollow structure. When the contents (support part 210 or insertion part 310) are placed in the hollow structure, the squeezing of the contents by the inner flexible layer can be reduced or even avoided, thereby reducing or even avoiding the friction between the inner flexible layer and the contents. This can improve the consistency of the stroke during the extension of the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120 (the inventors discovered that when the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120 do not have a circumferential connection part 130, after the fluid fills the fluid channel 140, the inner flexible layer squeezes the contents, and the inner flexible layer adheres to the contents, resulting in increased friction between the inner flexible layer and the contents, which makes the extension stroke of the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120 inconsistent), ensuring that the flexible flow channel assembly can push the component to be inserted into the longer cavity.
[0040] In this embodiment, the flexible flow channel assembly divides the area between the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120 into multiple fluid channels 140 via the connecting portion 130. This reduces the diameter of each fluid channel 140. After fluid is supplied into the fluid channel 140, for the same angle of channel bending area, the smaller diameter fluid channel 140 forms a smooth bending portion 191 after bending (e.g., ...). Figure 10 As shown), the fluid channel 140 is less prone to forming sharp bends 192 (the inventors discovered that when there is no circumferential connection 130 between the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120, after the fluid fills the fluid channel 140, the flexible flow channel assembly is prone to bending in the bending area with a large bending angle, forming sharp bends 192, such as...). Figure 9 As shown in the figure, this ensures the reliability of the flexible flow channel assembly as it extends along its axial direction and avoids damage to the inner wall of the cavity.
[0041] In this embodiment, the flexible flow channel assembly divides the area between the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120 into multiple fluid channels 140 via the connecting portion 130. When this flexible flow channel assembly is used to push the endoscope insertion portion 310 into the cavity and to supply fluid into the fluid channels 140, a groove 193 can also be formed between two adjacent fluid channels 140 (e.g., Figure 4 As shown, the groove 193 facilitates the discharge of gas from the cavity, which is beneficial for a real and clear assessment of the cavity condition and also helps to alleviate patient discomfort.
[0042] According to some optional embodiments, the dimensions of the fluid channel 140 satisfy: R1 ≤ R2 - R3. For example... Figure 5 As shown, R1 is the radius of the circle formed after the fluid channel 140 is filled with fluid (after the fluid channel 140 is filled with fluid, the fluid channel 140 expands into an approximate circle), R2 is the radius of the flexible flow channel assembly when it is not filled with fluid (when the fluid channel 140 is not filled with fluid, the flexible flow channel assembly is approximately circular), and R3 is the radius of the component to be inserted.
[0043] When the component to be inserted is placed inside the support portion 210, R3 is the radius of the support portion 210.
[0044] By controlling the dimensions of the fluid channel 140 to satisfy R1≤R2-R3, a gap can be maintained between the fluid channel 140 and the component to be inserted after the fluid is filled, or the fluid channel 140 can just contact the component to be inserted after the fluid is filled, thereby avoiding the problem of friction between the inner flexible layer and the component to be inserted.
[0045] According to some optional embodiments, the first flexible layer 110 is a biocompatible layer or a composite flexible layer, and the second flexible layer 120 is a biocompatible layer or a composite flexible layer.
[0046] Preferably, the composite flexible layer includes a flexible support layer 101 and a composite layer 102. The composite layer 102 is a biocompatible layer, and is laminated to at least one side of the flexible support layer 101. More preferably, the composite layer 102 is laminated to one side of the flexible support layer 101, and the composite flexible layer is formed as a two-layer flexible layer structure, such as... Figure 11 As shown; or the composite layer 102 is laminated to the two opposite surfaces of the flexible support layer 101, and the composite flexible layer is formed into a three-layer flexible layer structure, such as Figure 12 As shown.
[0047] Not limited to this, the composite flexible layer can also be a structure with four or even more layers.
[0048] The composite layer 102 can be bonded to the flexible support layer 101 by means of adhesive bonding, pressing, coating, injection molding, etc.
[0049] The flexible support layer 101 is made of a flexible material. A flexible material is a material that can deform under external force, possessing soft and bendable properties. Preferably, the flexible material has low or no stretchability. For example, the flexible material is fabric.
[0050] The composite layer 102 is made of a biocompatible material. Biocompatibility refers to the ability of a material to interact or coexist with an organism (such as the human body) without causing significant immune rejection or other harmful reactions. In the fields of medicine and bioengineering, biocompatibility generally indicates that the material will not cause allergic reactions, rejection reactions, or other adverse effects after implantation. Furthermore, the composite layer 102 is preferably made of a flexible biocompatible material.
[0051] For example, the composite layer 102 is one or more of the following: PLA (polylactic acid) layer, PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) layer, gelatin layer, PCL (polycaprolactone) layer, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) layer, and PLGA (polylactic acid-polyethylene glycol copolymer) layer. However, it is not limited to this; the composite layer 102 may also be made of other biocompatible materials.
[0052] In this preferred embodiment, the flexible flow channel component has a first flexible layer 110 that is a biocompatible layer or a composite flexible layer, and a second flexible layer 120 that is a biocompatible layer or a composite flexible layer. Both biocompatible layers and composite flexible layers can meet the requirements for entering the human body.
[0053] Secondly, the composite flexible layer is composed of a flexible support layer 101 and a composite layer 102, making the composite flexible layer soft and having good deformation properties. Through the function of the flexible support layer 101, the expansion of the biocompatible layer can be restricted, avoiding the problem of the biocompatible layer breaking due to expansion, thereby improving the life of the biocompatible layer, and further improving the service life and safety of the flexible flow channel assembly.
[0054] According to some optional embodiments, when the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120 are in an unfolded state, and the first connection position 111 of the first flexible layer 110 and the second connection position 121 of the second flexible layer 120 overlap each other, the side ends of the first flexible layer 110 and the side ends of the second flexible layer 120 overlap each other, such as... Figure 13 As shown.
[0055] The first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120 being in an unfolded state means that the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120 are unfolded after being sheared along their axial direction, specifically along... Figure 2 The vertical section is cut and then unfolded as shown.
[0056] For example, when the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120 are welded together to form a connection 130, the first connection position 111 and the second connection position 121 refer to the welded joints of the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120.
[0057] In this structure, when the side ends of the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120 are connected to form a cylindrical structure, the side of the first flexible layer 110 may overlap with the side of the second flexible layer 120, resulting in four flexible layers at the side connection of the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120. This connection method results in excessive thickness at the connection points at both ends, which is not conducive to stacking the flexible flow channel assembly outside the support portion 210 or the insertion portion 310.
[0058] According to some optional embodiments, when the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120 are in an unfolded state, and the first connection position 111 of the first flexible layer 110 and the second connection position 121 of the second flexible layer 120 overlap each other, the side ends of the first flexible layer 110 and the side ends of the second flexible layer 120 are misaligned with each other, such as... Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown.
[0059] In this structure, when the side ends of the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120 are connected to each other to form a cylindrical structure, the parts of the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120 that are misaligned with each other are connected to form a cylindrical structure, which can make the flexible flow channel assembly maintain a uniform thickness in the entire circumferential direction, which is beneficial for the flexible flow channel assembly to be stacked outside the support part 210 or the insertion part 310.
[0060] According to some optional embodiments, a first connecting portion 150 is formed at the connection points between the two ends of the side of the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120, and a second connecting portion 160 is formed at the connection points between the two ends of the side of the second flexible layer 120 and the first flexible layer 110. The width between the first connecting portion 150 and the second connecting portion 160 satisfies: 0 ≤ L2 ≤ 1.1L1. L1 is the width between two adjacent connecting portions 130, and L2 is the width between the first connecting portion 150 and the second connecting portion 160. Figure 16 As shown.
[0061] The width mentioned here can refer to the width in the unfolded state or the arc length after forming a cylindrical structure.
[0062] Both sides of the first flexible layer 110 are connected to one side of the second flexible layer 120 near the end. The portions where the two sides of the first flexible layer 110 are connected to the second flexible layer 120 can be called the first connecting portions 150. Similarly, the portions where the two sides of the second flexible layer 120 are connected to the first flexible layer 110 can be called the second connecting portions 160.
[0063] Preferably, the width between the first connecting portion 150 and the second connecting portion 160 satisfies L2=0. In this case, the misalignment distance between the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120 is small. When the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120 form a cylindrical structure, the first connecting portion 150 and the second connecting portion 160 contact each other to form a connecting portion 130. That is, no cavity fluid channel 140 is formed between the first connecting portion 150 and the second connecting portion 160, so fluid cannot flow between the first connecting portion 150 and the second connecting portion 160.
[0064] Preferably, the width between the first connecting portion 150 and the second connecting portion 160 satisfies L2=L1, such as Figure 16 As shown. At this time, the misalignment distance between the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120 is relatively large. When the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120 form a cylindrical structure, the two ends of the first flexible layer 110 are welded to the rightmost second connection position 121 of the second flexible layer 120, and the two ends of the second flexible layer 120 are welded to the leftmost first connection position 111 of the first flexible layer 110. This makes the distance between the first connection part 150 and the second connection part 160 exactly the width between two adjacent connection parts 130.
[0065] The fluid channel 140 formed between the first connecting part 150 and the second connecting part 160 is the same as the fluid channel 140 formed between the other two adjacent connecting parts 130. This avoids the width between the first connecting part 150 and the second connecting part 160 being too small, which would cause the fluid pressure on the first connecting part 150 and / or the second connecting part 160 to be too high, thereby affecting the connection reliability at the first connecting part 150 and / or the second connecting part 160.
[0066] According to some optional embodiments, in the circumferential direction of the first end 170 of the flexible flow channel assembly, the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120 maintain a sealed connection, such as... Figure 17 As shown. The first end 170 is the distal end of the flexible flow channel assembly.
[0067] Preferably, the width of the sealing connection between the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120 is 3 to 10 mm. For example, the width of the sealing connection between the first flexible layer 110 and the second flexible layer 120 is 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm.
[0068] In this preferred embodiment, the flexible flow channel assembly has a first flexible layer 110 and a second flexible layer 120 that are sealed together in the circumferential direction of the first end 170 of the flexible flow channel assembly. This ensures that after fluid is filled into the fluid channel 140, the fluid acts on the first end 170 of the flexible flow channel assembly, thereby driving the flexible flow channel assembly to move forward through the pressure generated by the fluid.
[0069] Not limited to this, the first end 170 and the second end 180 of the flexible flow channel assembly are connected to each other, and then the first end 170 is sealed and connected when the flexible flow channel assembly is connected to the support part 210 and the insertion part 310 of the propulsion device.
[0070] According to some optional embodiments, at the second end 180 of the flexible flow channel assembly, two adjacent fluid channels 140 are separately configured along the axial direction of the flexible flow channel assembly, such as... Figure 18 As shown. The second end 180 is the proximal end of the flexible flow channel assembly.
[0071] Preferably, the lengths of two adjacent fluid channels 140 separately arranged along the axial direction of the flexible flow channel assembly satisfy: 0.01L4≤L3≤0.03L4, where L3 is the length of two adjacent fluid channels 140 separately arranged along the axial direction of the flexible flow channel assembly, and L4 is the length of the flexible flow channel assembly in its axial direction.
[0072] Flexible flow channel components are stacked at the distal end of the support portion 210 or the insertion portion 310, such as Figure 8 As shown, the fluid enters from the second end 180 of the flexible flow channel assembly and needs to reach the first end 170. When the flexible flow channel assembly is in a stacked state, the frictional resistance of the fluid is relatively large.
[0073] To reduce the frictional resistance experienced by the fluid, a flow guide 220 can be installed within the fluid channel 140 (e.g., Figure 19 As shown, fluid can enter from the proximal end of the guide member 220 and exit from the distal end, thereby avoiding the problem of high fluid resistance caused by the stacking of flexible flow channel components. In the preferred embodiment, the flexible flow channel component has two adjacent fluid channels 140 at the second end 180 of the flexible flow channel component, which is a separate configuration, which is beneficial for the sealing connection between each fluid channel 140 and the pipeline.
[0074] The second aspect of this embodiment describes the propulsion device in detail.
[0075] The propulsion device of this embodiment includes a flexible flow channel assembly according to any of the technical solutions in this embodiment. Preferably, the propulsion device of this embodiment further includes a support portion 210, in which the component to be inserted is slidably fitted. The flexible flow channel assembly is stacked along its axial direction and located on the outer periphery of the support portion 210. The distal end of the flexible flow channel assembly is connected to the distal region of the component to be inserted, so that the flexible flow channel assembly can be extended along its axial direction by the fluid supplied to the distal end of the fluid channel 140 of the flexible flow channel assembly, thereby pushing the component to be inserted to move by the axial extension of the flexible flow channel assembly. Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown.
[0076] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.
[0077] The above description is only a specific embodiment of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A flexible flow channel assembly for use in a propulsion device, characterized in that, The flexible flow channel assembly includes a first flexible layer (110) and a second flexible layer (120). A plurality of connecting portions (130) are provided circumferentially between the first flexible layer (110) and the second flexible layer (120). The connecting portions (130) extend along the axial direction of the flexible flow channel assembly. The connecting portions (130) divide the area between the first flexible layer (110) and the second flexible layer (120) into a plurality of fluid channels (140), which are used to contain fluid.
2. The flexible flow channel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first flexible layer (110) is a biocompatible layer or a composite flexible layer, and the second flexible layer (120) is a biocompatible layer or a composite flexible layer.
3. The flexible flow channel assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The composite flexible layer includes a flexible support layer (101) and a composite layer (102), wherein the composite layer (102) is a biocompatible layer and the composite layer (102) is composited to at least one side of the flexible support layer (101).
4. The flexible flow channel assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The composite layer (102) is one or more of the following: PLA layer, PVA layer, gelatin layer, PCL layer, TPU layer, and PLGA layer.
5. The flexible flow channel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the first flexible layer (110) and the second flexible layer (120) are in the unfolded state, and the first connection position (111) on the first flexible layer (110) and the second connection position (121) on the second flexible layer (120) overlap each other, The side ends of the first flexible layer (110) and the side ends of the second flexible layer (120) overlap each other.
6. The flexible flow channel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the first flexible layer (110) and the second flexible layer (120) are in the unfolded state, and the first connection position (111) on the first flexible layer (110) and the second connection position (121) on the second flexible layer (120) overlap each other, The side ends of the first flexible layer (110) and the side ends of the second flexible layer (120) are misaligned with each other.
7. The flexible flow channel assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first flexible layer (110) forms a first connecting portion (150) at the connection points between its two sides and the second flexible layer (120), and the second flexible layer (120) forms a second connecting portion (160) at the connection points between its two sides and the first flexible layer (110). The width between the first connecting portion (150) and the second connecting portion (160) satisfies: 0 ≤ L2 ≤ 1.1L1. Wherein, L1 is the width between two adjacent connecting parts (130), and L2 is the width between the first connecting part (150) and the second connecting part (160).
8. The flexible flow channel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the circumferential direction of the first end (170) of the flexible flow channel assembly, the first flexible layer (110) and the second flexible layer (120) maintain a sealed connection, wherein the first end (170) is the distal end of the flexible flow channel assembly.
9. The flexible flow channel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, At the second end (180) of the flexible flow channel assembly, along the axial direction of the flexible flow channel assembly, two adjacent fluid channels (140) are separately configured, wherein the second end (180) is the proximal end of the flexible flow channel assembly.
10. A propulsion device, characterized in that, Includes the flexible flow channel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.