Medical Dilator Tip Transitioning Stepped to Smooth Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical dilator devices with stepped transitions can cause injuries during insertion and lack a separate return channel for rinsing fluid, leading to increased external dimensions when attempting to deliver and drain fluids.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a longitudinally displaceable shaping device that converts the stepped transition into a smooth transition, allowing for safe insertion and incorporating a gap as a return flow channel for rinsing liquids, maintaining unchanged external dimensions during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a stepped transition is formed between the dilator tube and the outer tube, then the device structure is simplified, but patient injury risk increases during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically expandable tip part that transitions from a compressed low-profile state during insertion to an expanded state at the insertion site. The tip part includes radially expandable elements that can be actuated to eliminate the stepped transition only when needed, transforming the static stepped structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the radial dimension parameter of the tip part by expanding it from a compressed state to an expanded state. This parameter change allows the tip part to assume different radial sizes: a smaller size during insertion to avoid injury, and a larger size at the destination to eliminate the stepped transition and facilitate device function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an additional tube is added on the outside of the guide tube for rinsing fluid delivery, then rinsing function is enabled, but external dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the rinsing fluid delivery system within the existing guide tube structure. The additional tube for rinsing fluid is positioned inside the guide tube, utilizing the internal space of the existing structure. This nested arrangement enables the rinsing function while maintaining the original external dimensions of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a radial arrangement (additional tube on the outside) to a longitudinal arrangement (additional tube inside the guide tube). By utilizing the longitudinal dimension and internal space of the guide tube, the rinsing function is added without increasing the radial external dimensions of the device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the inner lumen of the guide tube is reduced to accommodate an additional tube, then rinsing function is enabled, but dilator functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid transport functions into separate lumens: the guide tube maintains its original inner lumen for dilator functionality, while a separate additional tube provides the rinsing fluid delivery pathway. This segmentation allows both functions to operate independently without interfering with each other's performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional rinsing tube is nested within the guide tube structure, creating concentric lumens. The inner lumen of the guide tube remains unchanged and dedicated to dilator function, while the nested additional tube provides the rinsing function. This nested configuration preserves the integrity and functionality of the original guide tube while adding new capability.
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 device ensures safe insertion without risk of injury and enables efficient delivery and drainage of rinsing liquids without altering the external dimensions, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the tip part can be expanded towards the stepped transition in the radial direction while at least largely eliminating it to form a smooth transition
Implementation Method 2
the second hollow body can be expanded towards the stepped transition in the radial direction while at least largely eliminating it to form a smooth transition can be contracted
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 8~11
AI summary
The invention relates to a medical device (1) for inserting into a bodily orifice or cavity of an individual, which comprises a first longitudinal hollow body (2) and a second longitudinal hollow body (3) that receives said first hollow body (2). Between the one end thereof and said first hollow body (2), there is a stepped transition (5) which extends in the radial direction and can pass into an at least substantially step-free transition (9) by virtue of the fact that the first hollow body (2), in the region of the stepped transition (5), expands in the radial direction towards the second hollow body (3) and/or that the second hollow body (3), in the region of the stepped transition (5), contracts in the radial direction towards the first hollow body (2).