Expandable Reinforced Tubes for Kink-Resistant Radial Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved medical devices with tubing that can expand to accommodate passage of other medical devices or implants while preventing kinking and maintaining structural integrity, particularly in applications where dynamic wall structures are required to access body regions.
Innovation Solution
The development of expandable tubing with a reinforcement structure that can expand radially while inhibiting axial expansion, utilizing materials like ePTFE with fibrils to allow radial expansion while maintaining structural integrity and preventing kinking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tube body is made expandable to accommodate passage of medical devices, then the adaptability is improved, but the risk of kinking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tube body is constructed as a composite structure combining an expandable tube made of elastomeric material with a reinforcement member. The reinforcement member, positioned within or on the tube body, provides structural support to prevent kinking while the elastomeric tube body maintains expandability. This composite design resolves the contradiction by integrating two materials with complementary properties.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tube body is allowed to expand radially, then the adaptability is improved, but axial expansion may cause unwanted elongation
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement member is designed with specific local properties to constrain axial expansion while permitting radial expansion. By positioning the reinforcement member strategically within or on the tube body and designing its geometric configuration, the structure provides differential constraints: it resists axial elongation during radial expansion but does not prevent the tube from expanding radially to accommodate medical devices.
3Strength
If a reinforcement structure is added to prevent kinking, then the strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement member is designed as a flexible structure that can be integrated into the tube body wall. This flexible reinforcement provides kink resistance and structural strength while maintaining the overall flexibility and collapsibility of the tube. The design avoids rigid components that would significantly increase complexity, instead using a reinforcement that works harmoniously with the elastomeric tube body.
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 solution enables efficient passage of medical devices through the tubing while preventing kinking and maintaining structural integrity, ensuring reliable access to body regions without causing damage or obstruction.
Implementation Method 1
radial ePTFE having nodes and fibrils is disclosed. The radial ePTFE can be configured to allow radial expansion but prevent axial expansion of the tube body
Implementation Method 2
The reinforcement can be configured to transmit a compressive force along a length of the tube body
Implementation Method 3
can be configured to transmit a torque along the tube body
Implementation Method 4
The actuator can be configured to axially expand to radially expand the tube body
Data Source
AI summary
Passively expandable and contractable tubes, dynamically expandable and contractable tubes, and non-expandable tubes and methods of using the same are disclosed. Tubes having one or multiple layers are disclosed. Tubes having one or multiple reinforcements are disclosed. Tubes comprising radial ePTFE and/or axial ePTFE are disclosed.