Braided TPU Tube Structure for Transparency and Pressure Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Braided tubes used in medical procedures like percutaneous coronary angioplasty suffer from reduced transparency due to air bubbles, which can lead to unintended operations, and require high pressure resistance and visibility of transparent liquids and bubbles.
Innovation Solution
A braided tube design featuring a hollow cylindrical inner resin layer of thermoplastic polyurethane, a braided wire with nylon strands, and an outer resin layer that covers the inner layer and wire, with a void width of 30 μm or less around the strands, enhancing transparency and pressure resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a braided wire with nylon strands is embedded in a TPU tube, then pressure resistance is improved, but transparency deteriorates due to air bubbles and voids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different void width specifications in different regions. The void width between the braided wire and inner resin layer is controlled to be 30 μm or less, while the void width between the outer resin layer and braided wire is controlled to be 50 μm or less. This localized control of void dimensions maintains pressure resistance while improving transparency in critical observation areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of void width from uncontrolled to precisely controlled dimensions. By specifying that void widths be 30 μm or less (and in some embodiments 10 μm or less), the patent transforms the structural parameter to achieve both pressure resistance and high transparency, allowing visual observation of bubbles while maintaining mechanical strength.
2Manufacturing precision
If voids are reduced around braided wire strands, then transparency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the inner resin layer with a controlled void width before embedding the braided wire. The inner resin layer is extruded with predetermined dimensions that automatically ensure the void width between the wire and resin is 30 μm or less. This preliminary structuring simplifies subsequent assembly while guaranteeing transparency requirements are met.
Data Source
AI summary
A braided tube includes a hollow cylindrical inner resin layer made of thermoplastic polyurethane resin, a braided wire including braided strands made of nylon and being provided over a periphery of the inner resin layer, and an outer resin layer made of thermoplastic polyurethane resin and being provided to cover peripheries of the inner resin layer and the braided wire. A width of a void formed around the strand of the braided wire in a cross section perpendicular to a tube longitudinal direction is 30 μm or less.