Endoscopic Device Outer Layer Holes Prevent Air Bubble Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic devices with bellows-shaped tubular bodies made of silicone and reinforcement structures, such as springs or rings, face issues with air bubble formation due to production defects, which can lead to barotrauma and hinder device withdrawal, as air leaks between layers causing pressure imbalances and potential tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
The endoscopic device features a tubular body with superimposed inner and outer silicone layers and strategically placed holes or slits in the outer layer to allow air to escape, preventing air bubble formation by providing pathways for air to exit, thus maintaining device functionality and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tubular body is made with superimposed inner and outer silicone layers with reinforcement structure, then the extensibility and low friction coefficient are improved, but air bubbles can form between layers due to production defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of air bubbles into a beneficial feature by incorporating through-opening holes in the outer silicone layer. These holes allow air to escape from between the layers, transforming the potential harm (air bubble formation) into a controlled feature that actually helps maintain device functionality and prevents barotrauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer silicone layer is designed with through-opening holes that create a porous structure. This porosity allows air to pass through the layer and escape from the tubular body, preventing air bubble accumulation while maintaining the structural integrity and extensibility of the tubular body.
2Speed
If air pressure is increased to extend the bellows, then the forward motion capability is improved, but air leakage between layers causes barotrauma and tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The through-opening holes in the outer layer convert the potentially harmful air leakage into a beneficial pressure equalization mechanism. Air can escape through these holes before building up to dangerous pressure levels, preventing barotrauma while still allowing sufficient pressure for extension and forward motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The holes provide a pressure relief pathway that acts as a safety mechanism before dangerous pressure buildup occurs. By providing this escape route in advance, the system prevents the harmful effects of excessive pressure and air bubble formation that would otherwise occur during extension.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the reinforcement structure is added to maintain radial rigidity, then the structural stability is improved, but air can enter between springs and silicone forming spiral-shaped swelling
Solution Approach 1:
The through-opening holes intercept air bubbles that would otherwise form spiral-shaped swellings around the reinforcement structure. By providing escape pathways, the holes convert the harmful spiral swelling effect into controlled air release, maintaining both radial stability and preventing tissue damage.
4Manufacturing precision
If the tubular body is extracted from mould with tight fit, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but production defects cause air entrapment between layers
Solution Approach 1:
The through-opening holes provide a safety mechanism that compensates for air entrapment caused by tight manufacturing tolerances. Even when layers are tightly fitted during manufacturing, the holes allow any trapped air to escape, converting a potential defect into a controlled feature.
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
This design prevents air bubble formation, ensuring safe and efficient locomotion through body cavities by allowing air to escape, reducing the risk of barotrauma and facilitating easy device withdrawal, while also improving production uniformity by maintaining consistent spring pitch.
Implementation Method 1
Through-openings are formed on the outer layer for enabling air possibly entered between the inner layer and the outer layer form the inside of the tubular body to be discharged to the outside
Implementation Method 2
The elastomeric tubular body is capable of being extended or contracted by means of air injected therein or aspirated therefrom
Implementation Method 3
a tubular body made of elastic material incorporating a reinforcement structure
Implementation Method 4
the reinforcement structure is substantially rigid in a radial direction and is capable of yielding in an axial direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4b
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
An endoscopic device capable of autonomous locomotion through a body cavity with a pre-established direction of displacement, comprising a tubular body (1) made of an elastic material extending between two, front (2) and rear (3) end portions respectively comprising pneumatically actuated anchoring means (4) for temporarily and alternately attaching said end portions to the wall of the body cavity in synchronism with corresponding axial extensions and contractions of the tubular body. The tubular body incorporates a reinforcement structure (6, 7) distributed along its length that is substantially rigid in the radial direction and yielding in the axial direction. The tubular body wall is formed by superimposed inner (9) and outer (10) layers, the reinforcement structure being incorporated therebetween. Through openings (11, 12, 13) are formed on the outer layer for allowing air possibly entered between the inner layer and the outer layer from the inside of the tubular body to be discharged to the outside.