Binary Fluid Valve with Stored-Energy Opening for Rapid Deflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current self-opening release valves for gastric balloons and similar devices often struggle with controlled and rapid deflation, as the degradation rate of degradable materials used in these valves cannot be adequately controlled, leading to inconsistent fluid release rates.
Innovation Solution
The development of self-opening fluid release mechanisms that incorporate an energy storage element and a degradable release material. This configuration allows for rapid and controlled opening of the valve, ensuring a consistent and rapid fluid release by leveraging the stored energy once the release material degrades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If degradable materials are used in self-opening release valves, then the valve can automatically open after a predetermined time, but the degradation rate cannot be adequately controlled leading to inconsistent fluid release rates
Solution Approach 1:
An energy storage element (such as a compressed spring) is pre-loaded in a constrained configuration before use. When the degradable material deteriorates, the pre-stored energy is rapidly released to drive the valve opening mechanism, ensuring consistent and rapid fluid release without depending solely on the degradation rate of the material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely degradation-dependent mechanical system with a hybrid system that incorporates an energy storage element. This substitution transforms the valve opening mechanism from one that relies entirely on slow material degradation to one that uses stored mechanical energy for rapid, controlled actuation when the degradable material fails
2Productivity
If the valve opens rapidly to full aperture, then fluid release flow rate is increased for fast deflation, but the opening process may become uncontrolled
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage element is pre-loaded in a constrained configuration that stores mechanical energy ready for rapid release. When the degradable material deteriorates, this pre-stored energy drives the valve to open rapidly to full aperture, achieving high fluid release flow rates while maintaining control through the predetermined constraint mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The valve design incorporates a binary flow condition that changes the flow rate parameter from low (when closed) to high (when open). The energy storage element enables this parameter change to occur rapidly and completely, transitioning the valve from closed to fully open state for maximum fluid release
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 proposed solution enables rapid and controlled deflation of gastric balloons and similar devices, improving the timing and adequacy of fluid release, which is crucial for effective and safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
the strength of the release material degrades below that which is needed to resist the energy storage element
Implementation Method 2
a degradable release material... once the release material degrades
Implementation Method 3
an energy storage element in a constrained configuration that stores energy in response to deformation of the energy storage element
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.