Balloon Wrapping Support Shaft for Precise Pleating Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing balloon wrapping apparatuses face challenges in accurately positioning the balloon for uniform wing shape formation and preventing back folding during the wrapping process due to difficulties in supporting the distal portion of the balloon catheter, leading to inconsistent wrapping results.
Innovation Solution
A balloon wrapping apparatus with a support base that can move closer to and away from the pleating and folding sections, featuring an assisting shaft that inserts into a back surface hole and interlocks with the support base, ensuring the balloon is accurately positioned and held in place, preventing bending and back folding by supporting the distal portion of the shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the balloon is inserted into the pleating section without adequate support, then the insertion process is simple, but the balloon cannot be accurately positioned at the center, resulting in non-uniform wing shapes
Solution Approach 1:
An assisting shaft is introduced as an intermediary component between the support base and the balloon. The assisting shaft inserts into a back surface hole of the pleating section and provides precise positioning support to the balloon during insertion, enabling accurate centering without complicating the overall support base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is segmented into two parts: the main support base that provides general support, and the assisting shaft that provides precise positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without unnecessary complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the distal portion of the shaft is not supported, then the apparatus structure is simpler, but the balloon bends due to its own weight, preventing accurate positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The assisting shaft acts as a mediator that specifically supports the distal portion of the shaft where the balloon is located. This targeted support prevents bending due to gravity while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Support is applied locally at the distal portion of the shaft through the assisting shaft rather than uniformly throughout. This local quality approach provides precise positioning where needed without adding unnecessary complexity elsewhere in the structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If the balloon is not securely held during folding, then the operation is easier, but back folding occurs, compromising wrapping consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The assisting shaft serves as a mediator that securely holds the balloon during the folding operation. By inserting into the back surface hole and positioning the balloon accurately, it prevents back folding while maintaining ease of operation through its integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The assisting shaft performs preliminary positioning and securing of the balloon before the folding operation begins. This preliminary action ensures the balloon is correctly positioned and held in place, preventing back folding during the subsequent folding process.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
Provided is a balloon wrapping apparatus by which a balloon can be accurately positioned in relation to and inserted into a pleating section or a folding section. The balloon wrapping apparatus for folding a balloon (52) provided at a distal portion of an elongated shaft (51) includes: a pleating section (2) that forms the balloon (52) with wing shapes; a folding section (3) that folds the wing shape formed in the balloon (52), along a circumferential direction; and a support base (4) that supports the shaft (51) and can be moved toward and away from the pleating section (2). The pleating section (2) includes an insertion hole (10a) through which the balloon (52) can be inserted, and a back surface hole (11a) provided in a back surface on the side opposite to the side on which the insertion hole (10a) is provided. The pleating section (2) includes an assisting shaft (81) which can be inserted into the back surface hole (11a) from the rear surface side, and an interlock portion (82) interlocking the assisting shaft (81) with the support base (4). The assisting shaft (81) is formed with a cavity portion (87).