Endoscopic Dual Fluid Path Dispensing for Stable Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical fluid delivery systems face issues such as clogging, kinking, and inconsistency in flow rate and pressure, leading to inaccurate and time-consuming procedures due to the complexity and cost of regulators, as well as friction forces from washers or O-rings, which hinder proper dispensing of fluids and materials at target locations.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a dual fluid path system, including a movable container with a locking mechanism and a regulator that uses a flexible membrane and piston to control pressure, bypassing the container and allowing separate control of fluid flow through a system with a pressure release mechanism to ensure consistent and controlled delivery of fluids at the desired pressure and flow rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If conventional regulators with washers or O-rings are used to control fluid pressure, then pressure regulation is achieved, but friction forces increase making it difficult to dispense fluid at consistent flow rate and pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes washers and O-rings from the regulator assembly, extracting the friction-generating components that hinder consistent fluid dispensing. The regulator uses direct contact between mating surfaces without elastomeric seals, eliminating the friction that prevents accurate flow rate control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical sealing system (washers/O-rings) with a direct mechanical contact system where regulator components mate without elastomeric intermediaries. This substitution eliminates friction while maintaining pressure regulation capability.
2Stress or pressure
If multiple regulators are used to convert high pressure fluid to tissue-appropriate pressure, then pressure control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pressure regulation functions into a single integrated regulator assembly that can handle high-pressure fluid conversion in one stage. The regulator is designed to accommodate multiple fluid paths and control mechanisms within a unified structure, reducing the need for separate regulator components.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator assembly is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple fluid paths (first and second fluid paths) simultaneously, accommodating both propellant fluid and medical fluid delivery within a single device architecture that can be integrated into hand-held devices.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional endoscope devices are used for dispensing fluids and powders, then material delivery is achieved, but clogging and kinking occur reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid delivery system into separate first and second fluid paths, with the first path dedicated to propellant fluid and the second path to medical fluids/powders. This segmentation prevents mixing and clogging by keeping different materials in separate channels throughout the delivery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a filter as an intermediary component in the second fluid path that prevents particulate matter from clogging the delivery system. The filter acts as a mediator between the powder reservoir and the dispensing mechanism, allowing material delivery while blocking clog-causing particles.
4Ease of operation
If conventional regulators are integrated into hand-held devices, then portability is achieved, but friction from washers or O-rings makes consistent dispensing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts friction-generating components (washers and O-rings) from the hand-held device regulator, eliminating the source of inconsistent dispensing. The regulator operates without these elastomeric components, allowing precise control in a portable format.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the regulator by eliminating elastomeric sealing components, thereby changing the friction characteristics and pressure control mechanism to enable consistent dispensing in a hand-held device configuration.
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 consistent and accurate delivery of fluids and materials by minimizing friction and complexity, reducing procedural time and cost, and maintaining precise control over pressure and flow rate, thereby enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a regulator that uses a flexible membrane and piston to control pressure
Implementation Method 2
a locking mechanism for securing the second container to the application device
Data Source
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.