Dual Fluid Path Powder Delivery for Stable Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical fluid delivery systems face issues such as clogging, kinking of catheters, large variations in flow rate and pressure, and inconsistency in material delivery at the target site, due to factors like multiple regulators, friction from washers or O-rings, and difficulty in integrating regulators into handheld devices.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a dual fluid path system, where a first fluid path bypasses a container and is separately controllable, and a second fluid path includes a container with an inner chamber that is fluidly isolated or coupled depending on its position, along with a locking mechanism, pressure release mechanisms, and a regulator to ensure consistent fluid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If multiple regulators are used to convert high pressure fluid to appropriate pressure for tissue application, then the fluid pressure can be reduced to suitable levels, but the device complexity increases and integration into handheld devices becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple regulator functions into a single integrated regulator component. The regulator includes a body with multiple chambers and valves that work together to reduce high pressure fluid to appropriate tissue application pressure in one unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate regulators and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated regulator performs multiple functions simultaneously: it reduces pressure from high pressure storage to intermediate pressure, controls flow rate, and provides pressure regulation for tissue application. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate devices
2Reliability
If conventional regulators with washers or O-rings are used, then fluid sealing can be achieved, but friction forces increase making it difficult to dispense fluid at consistent flow rate and pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional sealing elements such as washers and O-rings from the regulator design. Instead, it uses a valve seat and valve assembly configuration that achieves fluid sealing through precise mechanical mating surfaces and valve closure, eliminating the friction-causing sealing components while maintaining reliable fluid containment
3Quantity of substance
If conventional catheters are used for fluid delivery, then fluid can be transported to target site, but clogging and kinking occur leading to inconsistent material delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible catheter design that can dynamically adapt to pressure changes and spatial constraints. The catheter includes features such as reinforced sections to prevent kinking while maintaining flexibility for navigation, and its structural design resists collapse under varying pressure conditions, ensuring consistent material delivery to the target site
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 dual fluid path system ensures consistent and controlled delivery of fluids at appropriate pressures and flow rates, reducing the risk of clogging and kinking, and improving the accuracy and efficiency of medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an inlet coupleable to a gas source for supplying gas to the interior space to fluidize the powdered agent received therewithin to create a fluidized mixture
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical device including an application device with a first fluid path and a container movably attached to the application device. The container and the application device have a second fluid path therethrough, the container includes an inner chamber that is intermediate proximal and distal portions of the second fluid path, the inner chamber is fluidly isolated from the proximal portion of the second fluid path at a first position of the container, and the inner chamber is fluidly coupled to the proximal and distal portions of the second fluid path at a second position of the container. The first fluid path bypasses the container and the passage of fluid through the first fluid path is separately controllable from the passage of fluid through the second fluid path.