Flow Control Valve With Expandable Collar for Timed Lumen Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices fail to provide controlled, periodic, or intermittent fluid communication and access between body lumens, which is necessary for various medical conditions requiring therapeutic agent delivery or drainage.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with an elongate tubular body that expands into proximal and distal retention members, featuring a saddle region with a flexible member or collar that can constrict or expand in response to force, allowing controlled access and delivery of therapeutic agents or drainage, and includes a reservoir for timed release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional flow control valve with a needle valve and compression fitting is used, then ease of manufacture and basic flow control are achieved, but the valve body cracks under high pressure, causing leakage and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is segmented into an upper portion and a lower portion that can be separately manufactured and then joined together through threading. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function and reduces the risk of cracking in the overall structure under high pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle valve is nested within the valve body, with the needle valve assembly fitting into the hollow interior of the valve body. The compression fitting is then nested over the external threads to secure the assembly. This nested structure consolidates multiple components into a compact, integrated unit that maintains integrity under pressure.
2Ease of operation
If the valve is designed to be easily disassembled for needle replacement, then ease of operation is improved, but the structure becomes more complex with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The compression fitting provides a dynamic, reversible connection between the valve body and the needle valve assembly. This allows the needle valve to be easily inserted and removed by simply tightening or loosening the compression fitting, without requiring permanent attachment or complex disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression fitting acts as an intermediary component that mediates the connection between the valve body and the needle valve. It provides a simple, tool-free mechanism for securing and releasing the needle valve, eliminating the need for permanent bonding or complex fastening systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If high precision flow control is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the valve body becomes more susceptible to cracking under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the valve body into upper and lower portions with threaded connections, the design distributes stress away from the precision flow control elements. The precision needle valve and bore can be manufactured with high accuracy while the segmented structure handles the mechanical stress of high pressure, preventing cracks.
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
Enables efficient, controlled delivery of therapeutic agents and drainage with minimal patient discomfort, supporting prolonged therapeutic regimens and reducing device migration.
Implementation Method 1
a compression fitting (220) over the external threads (214) to secure the needle valve assembly (202) to the valve body (204)
Implementation Method 2
a compression fitting (220) over the external threads (214) to secure the needle valve assembly (202) to the valve body (204)
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices and establishing fluid communication between body lumens. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices and methods for establishing a controlled flow or access passage between body lumens.