Balloon Dilator Flow Restriction for Sustained Inflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dilator devices face challenges in maintaining an inflated or expanded condition at the dilation site, require specialized positioning instruments, and are often complex in design and operation, limiting their versatility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A dilator device comprising an elongated sleeve with a flexible material and an expandable bladder, capable of being used with various positioning instruments, featuring a separable design and a flow restrictor to maintain inflation, allowing detachment from the positioning instrument while maintaining the expanded state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional dilator devices are used, then the dilation function is achieved, but the device cannot maintain inflated condition reliably after detachment from positioning instrument
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism is pre-configured on the positioning instrument to engage with the dilator device before inflation. The seal is established in advance during the positioning phase, ensuring that when the dilator is inflated and then detached, the seal remains intact and maintains the inflated condition without requiring complex post-detachment sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing interface acts as an intermediary between the positioning instrument and the dilator device. This sealing mechanism transfers the sealing function from the dilator itself to the positioning instrument, allowing the dilator to maintain its simple design while still achieving reliable sealing and inflation maintenance after detachment.
2Measurement precision
If specialized positioning instruments are required for each dilator device, then precise positioning is achieved, but the versatility of the system is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning interface is designed with universal compatibility features that allow a single dilator device to work with multiple different positioning instruments. The sealing mechanism and engagement features are standardized to accommodate various instrument types while maintaining precise positioning capability, thus achieving both precision and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is segmented into separate functional components: the positioning instrument, the sealing interface, and the dilator device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining compatibility across different instrument types, enabling precise positioning without requiring specialized instruments for each dilator.
3Ease of operation
If the dilator device is designed to be detachable from the positioning instrument, then ease of removal is achieved, but maintaining inflation after detachment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing interface serves as an intermediary that remains attached to the positioning instrument after the dilator device is detached. This intermediary seal maintains the inflated condition by preventing fluid leakage from the dilator, thus allowing easy detachment while preserving inflation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism is activated and established before detachment occurs. The seal is formed during the positioning and inflation phases, creating a pre-established barrier that maintains inflation even after the dilator is detached from the positioning instrument.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If the dilator device is left in place for extended periods, then continuous dilation is maintained, but damage to surrounding tissue may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The dilator device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow the dilation force and position to be modified over time. This dynamic adjustment prevents excessive or prolonged pressure on any single tissue area, enabling extended treatment duration while minimizing tissue damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes feedback mechanisms that monitor the dilation state and tissue response during extended procedures. This feedback allows real-time adjustment of dilation parameters to maintain effective treatment while preventing tissue damage, enabling safe extended duration of action.
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
The device ensures reliable and efficient dilation of different body regions using a single device with multiple instruments, maintaining the expanded state for an extended period without damaging surrounding tissue.
Implementation Method 1
a flow restrictor structured to restrict fluid flow in a second direction from the balloon
Implementation Method 2
an expandable or inflatable bladder capable of expanding into an expanded orientation upon injection of a fluid into the bladder
Data Source
AI summary
A dilator device including an elongated flexible material sleeve having a hollow interior extending along a distal portion and a proximal portion thereof. An expandable or inflatable bladder is connected to the distal portion and disposable radially outward from an exterior of the sleeve when in an expanded and/or inflated orientation. The elongated sleeve comprising a tip having a predetermined configuration that facilitates positioning the elongated sleeve within an intended body part. A fluid input is structured for removable connection to a fluid source and is disposed on the sleeve, in fluid communication with the bladder. An access opening is formed on the proximal portion and is cooperatively dimensioned with the hollow interior to removably receive any one of a plurality of different types of positioning instruments within the sleeve.