Expandable Conduit Sidewall Structure That Preserves Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional expandable devices lack the ability to maintain fluid flow while expanded within a conduit, as they typically occlude the lumen when in an expanded configuration, limiting their application in construction, plumbing, and other fields.
Innovation Solution
The design features a tubular sidewall with portions that bow out of alignment during expansion, creating buckled regions which form an annular lumen around a main lumen, allowing fluid flow even when the device is expanded, by altering the radial distance of structural members and using hinges or flexible joints to facilitate buckling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the expandable device is expanded within a conduit, then the device can securely engage with conduit surfaces, but the device occludes the lumen and blocks fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The sidewall is divided into multiple discrete buckled regions spaced apart along the length and/or circumference of the device. These segmented buckled regions create channels or pathways that allow fluid to flow through the device while the device remains expanded and engaged with the conduit surface
Solution Approach 2:
The buckled regions protrude radially outward from the cylindrical surface defined by the non-buckled portions of the sidewall, creating a three-dimensional undulating topology. This dimensional change allows the device to maintain radial engagement with the conduit while providing axial pathways for fluid flow
2Productivity
If the sidewall portions bow out to form buckled regions, then fluid flow is maintained through the device, but the structural complexity of the sidewall increases
Solution Approach 1:
Only specific portions of the sidewall are configured to buckle while other portions remain relatively straight or cylindrical. This localized buckling approach maintains structural simplicity in non-buckled regions while introducing flow capability only where needed, optimizing the balance between complexity and functionality
3Productivity
If the first portions of the sidewall bow out radially, then an annular lumen is created for fluid flow, but the radial alignment of sidewall portions is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The sidewall is designed to transition from a static cylindrical shape in the collapsed state to a dynamic undulating shape with buckled regions in the expanded state. This dynamic transformation allows the device to achieve both cylindrical alignment during delivery and annular lumen formation during operation
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 configuration enables the expandable device to securely engage with conduit surfaces while maintaining fluid flow, providing a stable and functional solution for various applications, including construction and plumbing.
Implementation Method 1
radial expansion of the expandable device decreases a longitudinal distance between the first end portion of the first strut and the second end portion of the second strut, and decreases a longitudinal distance between the first and second end portions of the spine, thereby causing the spine to buckle out of radial alignment with the first and second struts
Data Source
AI summary
Expandable devices are disclosed herein. Several of the embodiments are directed towards an expandable device configured to be expanded within a conduit. The expandable device may comprise a tubular sidewall having first portions and second portions. Radial expansion of the expandable device may cause the first portions to bow outwardly and out of radial alignment with the second portions.