Balloon Inflating Device Using Electrical Chemical Reaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intragastric balloon systems for weight management are uncomfortable due to esophageal tubes, require surgical insertion, and consume high power, with heating elements posing risks of irritation or injury.
Innovation Solution
A balloon inflating device with a first substance and a second substance capable of reacting to generate gas, activated electrically to inflate the balloon, eliminating the need for esophageal tubes and reducing power consumption, using a low-power microcontroller and biocompatible materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pump system is used to move fluid from reservoir to bladder, then the fluid can be reliably delivered, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the body's natural peristalsis movements to drive fluid from the reservoir into the balloon through the catheter, eliminating the need for an external pump. The flexible reservoir is positioned to allow gravity and body movements to assist fluid flow, making the system self-service and significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable fluid delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical pump system is replaced with a passive fluid delivery mechanism that relies on gravity, body movements, and peristalsis to move fluid. This substitution eliminates the power-consuming pump component while achieving the same fluid transfer function through natural physiological and gravitational forces.
2Reliability
If a heating element is used to inflate the balloon, then inflation can be achieved, but power consumption increases and temperature imbalance may irritate or injure the user
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal heating method is replaced with a mechanical inflation method using gas. Gas is delivered through the catheter from an external source or reservoir, providing reliable balloon inflation without generating harmful heat. This substitution eliminates the heating element entirely, removing the risk of temperature-related irritation or injury while maintaining effective inflation capability.
3Reliability
If a tube is inserted through the esophagus to inflate the balloon, then the balloon can be inflated, but user comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The esophageal tube is completely removed from the system. Instead of inserting a tube through the esophagus, the invention uses a transgastric approach where the catheter is inserted through the stomach wall into the balloon. This extraction of the esophageal tube eliminates the discomfort and inconvenience associated with having a tube in the esophagus while maintaining reliable balloon inflation capability through the alternative transgastric route.
4Reliability
If an endoscopic procedure is used to insert the balloon, then the balloon can be positioned correctly, but user discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscopic procedure is removed from the insertion process. The balloon is inserted transgastrically through a small puncture in the stomach wall using a catheter, eliminating the need for endoscopic equipment and procedures. This approach significantly reduces user discomfort and procedural complexity while achieving accurate balloon positioning in the stomach through direct transgastric access.
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 provides a comfortable, non-surgical, and energy-efficient method for weight management by electrically activating a chemical reaction within the balloon to inflate, reducing discomfort and power consumption while ensuring biocompatibility.
Implementation Method 1
a second substance within the balloon capable of having a reaction with the first substance to generate a gas within the balloon to inflate the balloon
Implementation Method 2
an electrical activator configured to activate the reaction between the first and second substances thus inflating the balloon
Data Source
AI summary
According to various embodiments, a balloon inflating device may be provided. The balloon inflating device may include a balloon, a first substance within the balloon, a second substance within the balloon capable of having a reaction with the first substance to generate a gas within the balloon to inflate the balloon; and an electrical activator configured to activate the reaction between the first and second substances thus inflating the balloon. According to various embodiments, a method for inflating a balloon may be provided. The method for inflating a balloon may include providing a first substance within the balloon, providing a second substance within the balloon; and activating a reaction between the first and second substances electrically to generate a gas within the balloon to inflate the balloon.