Balloon Coating Method Axial Straightening Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing balloon coating methods face challenges in achieving uniform drug coating due to balloon bending and variations in material and thickness, leading to non-uniform coating thickness and morphological forms of the drug, which complicates the control of the coating process.
Innovation Solution
A balloon coating method and apparatus that involves straightening the balloon by pulling it in the axial direction and rotating it while maintaining the bend-straightened state, allowing for controlled application of a coating liquid containing a drug, with a pulling mechanism and a second rotating mechanism to stabilize the rotation and prevent deformation, thereby ensuring uniform coating and regulating the thickness and volatilization of the solvent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the balloon is rotated while bent during coating, then the coating process can proceed, but the coating thickness becomes non-uniform due to eccentric rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon is pre-straightened by applying a pulling force in the axial direction before the coating process begins. This preliminary action eliminates the bend that would cause eccentric rotation, ensuring the balloon rotates uniformly during coating application.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the balloon is changed from bent to straight by applying axial tension. This parameter change (from curved to linear configuration) enables uniform rotation and consistent coating thickness distribution during the coating process.
2Manufacturing precision
If the balloon is straightened by pulling during coating, then coating thickness uniformity is improved, but the balloon may deform or twist due to the pulling force
Solution Approach 1:
The pulling mechanism rotates synchronously with the balloon at the same rotational speed, creating a periodic, coordinated action. This synchronized rotation ensures the pulling force is applied consistently without causing twisting or deformation, while maintaining balloon straightness for uniform coating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback control where the pulling mechanism's rotation is synchronized with the balloon's rotation. This feedback mechanism ensures the pulling force is applied at the correct phase, preventing deformation while maintaining the straightened state necessary for uniform coating.
3Device complexity
If the coating liquid is applied to a rotating balloon without straightening, then the coating process is simpler, but the distance from the dispensing tube to the balloon surface varies with rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon is pre-straightened by applying a pulling force in the axial direction before the coating process begins. This preliminary action eliminates the bend that would cause eccentric rotation, ensuring the balloon rotates uniformly during coating application.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for precise control over the coating thickness and morphological form of the drug, ensuring a uniform and effective drug coating on the balloon surface, reducing the risk of restenosis and improving the consistency of the drug delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a pulling step of pulling the balloon in an axial direction of the balloon to thereby straighten a bend of the balloon
Implementation Method 2
the drug in the coating on the outer surface of the balloon can assume different morphological forms such as crystalline form, amorphous form and mixed forms thereof depending on the length of time of volatilization of the solvent
Data Source
AI summary
A balloon coating method and apparatus are disclosed which can perform coating while freely controlling, for example, the thickness of a coating layer and/or the morphological form of a drug. The method includes pulling a distal tip of the balloon in an axial direction of the balloon to straighten a bend of the balloon; rotating the balloon about an axis of the balloon; and coating the outer surface of the balloon with a coating liquid.