Binary Fluid Valve with Energy Storage for Rapid Full-Aperture Opening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current self-opening fluid release valves for gastric balloons and similar devices lack the ability to rapidly deflate, as the degradation rate of degradable materials used in these valves cannot be adequately controlled, leading to insufficient flow rates during deflation.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control valve system that includes a binary operation mechanism with an energy storage device to rapidly open the valve from a closed to a fully open state, utilizing a degradable restraining element that loses strength to allow the energy storage device to push the valve mechanism open, ensuring a controlled and rapid release of fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a degradable material is used to hold the plug in a sealing configuration, then the valve can remain closed for a desired duration, but the degradation rate cannot be adequately controlled, leading to insufficient flow rates during deflation
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is segmented into distinct functional components: a degradable restraining element for duration control, an energy storage device for rapid opening, and a binary valve mechanism for flow control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the restraining element for sustained closure and the energy storage device for rapid deflation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage device is pre-loaded with potential energy during valve assembly and remains in a compressed or tensioned state until the restraining element degrades sufficiently. This preliminary action ensures that when the restraining element loses strength, the valve opens rapidly with full force, achieving high flow rates without requiring active control during the deflation phase.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If degradable material strength degrades slowly, then the valve maintains sealing for longer duration, but the valve opening process becomes too slow to achieve rapid deflation
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system transitions from a static sealing state to a dynamic rapid-opening state through the time-dependent degradation of the restraining element. The system remains stable and closed while the material degrades, then rapidly transitions to full opening when the energy storage device is released, achieving both long sealing duration and fast opening speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraining element's strength parameter changes over time through degradation, allowing the valve to maintain closure for a desired duration. When the strength drops below a threshold, the pre-loaded energy storage device rapidly overcomes the weakened restraint, causing swift valve opening. This parameter change enables control of both sealing duration and opening speed.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the valve opens gradually, then the degradable material has time to degrade, but the deflation process is too slow for applications requiring rapid emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The gradual mechanical degradation process is supplemented by an energy storage device that provides a mechanical impulse to rapidly open the valve. Instead of relying solely on slow material degradation to drive opening, the system uses pre-stored mechanical energy to force the valve open quickly once the restraining element weakens, dramatically reducing deflation time.
4Device complexity
If no energy storage device is used, then the valve structure is simpler, but the valve cannot open rapidly to its full open state
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device is extracted as a separate, modular component from the valve body, allowing it to be added only when rapid opening capability is needed. This modular approach maintains simplicity for applications requiring only slow degradation-based opening, while enabling rapid deflation capability when the energy storage device is incorporated into the valve assembly.
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 system enables rapid and controlled deflation of fluid-filled devices by ensuring the valve opens quickly to its full aperture, improving the timing and adequacy of fluid release, which is particularly beneficial for gastric balloons and other applications where fast deflation is necessary.
Implementation Method 1
a degradable restraining element disposed to hold the plug in a sealing configuration in the fluid path until the strength of the degradable material degrades below that which is needed to resist the force of the energy storage device
Implementation Method 2
an energy storage device to rapidly open the valve from a closed to a fully open state
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
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.