Binary Fluid Valve With Degradable Plug for Rapid Deflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current self-opening release valves for gastric balloons and similar devices lack the ability to rapidly deflate, as the fluid release flow rate is not adequately controlled, making it difficult to achieve fast deflation and requiring invasive endoscopic procedures for removal.
Innovation Solution
A self-opening fluid release mechanism with a binary valve system that includes an energy storage element and a degradable release material, allowing the valve to rapidly transition from a closed to a fully open state, controlling the fluid flow rate by using a spring and a degradable plug to seal and unseal the fluid path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a self-opening release valve is used for gastric balloons, then invasive endoscopic procedures are reduced, but the fluid release flow rate is insufficient for rapid deflation
Solution Approach 1:
An energy storage element (such as a compressed spring) is pre-loaded within the valve mechanism before the balloon is inflated. When the degradable plug breaks down after the proscribed time period, the pre-stored energy is rapidly released to quickly open the valve and enable fast deflation, eliminating the need for invasive endoscopic procedures while achieving rapid fluid release.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system uses the balloon's own filling fluid to accelerate the breakdown of the degradable plug through chemical reactions or dissolution. This self-service mechanism ensures that the plug breaks down reliably after the proscribed time period without requiring external intervention, enabling automatic rapid deflation while maintaining non-invasive removal.
2Extent of automation
If a degradable plug is used to seal the fluid path, then automatic release is achieved, but the release timing and speed are not sufficient for rapid deflation
Solution Approach 1:
An energy storage element is pre-loaded within the valve mechanism before the balloon is inflated. When the degradable plug breaks down after the proscribed time period, the pre-stored energy is rapidly released to quickly open the valve and enable fast deflation, eliminating the need for invasive endoscopic procedures while achieving rapid fluid release.
3Reliability
If the valve remains closed to maintain balloon inflation, then device functionality is preserved, but rapid deflation cannot be achieved when needed
Solution Approach 1:
An energy storage element (such as a compressed spring) is pre-loaded within the valve mechanism before the balloon is inflated. When the degradable plug breaks down after the proscribed time period, the pre-stored energy is rapidly released to quickly open the valve and enable fast deflation, eliminating the need for invasive endoscopic procedures while achieving rapid fluid release.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system uses the balloon's own filling fluid to accelerate the breakdown of the degradable plug through chemical reactions or dissolution. This self-service mechanism ensures that the plug breaks down reliably after the proscribed time period without requiring external intervention, enabling automatic rapid deflation while maintaining non-invasive removal.
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
Enables rapid and controlled deflation of fluid-filled devices, reducing the need for invasive procedures by ensuring a consistent and rapid release of fluid, improving the safety and efficiency of device removal.
Implementation Method 1
a degradable release material disposed to hold the plug in a sealing configuration in the fluid path until the strength of the degradable release material degrades
Implementation Method 2
an energy storage element disposed to apply a force directed to move the plug from the sealed to the open position
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid control valves including single-opening, binary fluid control valves that are initially closed and can be opened one time only to allow a fluid transfer between two spaces separated by a fluid impermeable barrier. Applications of valves of this type include inflatable devices, including but not limited to medical device balloons, in particular gastric balloons for weight loss.