Foreskin Expansion Balloon With Thickened Neck and Radial Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current balloons for treating phimosis do not consistently maintain their position under the foreskin and lack reproducible inflation characteristics, leading to inconsistent treatment outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A balloon design with a neck thickness greater than the head thickness, allowing for uniform radial expansion of the head, minimizing longitudinal expansion, and featuring a self-supporting structure for easy insertion and maintenance under the foreskin, along with an inflation device and flow regulator for controlled inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the balloon is inflated to expand the foreskin, then the treatment effect is improved, but the balloon may slip out of position under the foreskin
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon employs non-uniform wall thickness distribution, with the neck portion having greater thickness than the head portion. This local differentiation creates a mechanical interlock effect where the thicker neck anchors in the sub-preputial space while the thinner head expands radially, preventing longitudinal slippage during inflation.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon design features asymmetric geometry with a distinct neck region that is thicker and more rigid compared to the thinner head region. This asymmetry ensures that during inflation, the neck remains constrained in the sub-preputial space while the head expands to treat the foreskin, maintaining reliable positioning.
2Reliability
If the balloon expands uniformly in all directions, then the inflation is simple, but the balloon cannot apply even pressure to the foreskin
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon incorporates localized variations in wall thickness, with the neck portion being thicker and the head portion being thinner. This local quality differentiation causes the head to expand preferentially in the radial direction while the neck remains relatively stable, ensuring even pressure distribution across the foreskin without requiring complex mechanical structures.
3Reliability
If the neck wall thickness is increased to prevent expansion, then the balloon maintains position better, but more material is required
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon design applies the local quality principle by concentrating thicker wall material specifically in the neck region where positional stability is needed, while using thinner material in the head region where expansion is desired. This optimized material distribution achieves position stability without excessive material consumption throughout the entire balloon structure.
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
Ensures even pressure application to the foreskin, prevents the balloon from slipping out during inflation, and provides consistent treatment by maintaining the head under the foreskin, enhancing treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
the head expands in a radial direction greater than in the longitudinal direction when inflated
Data Source
AI summary
A balloon is disclosed for expanding an orifice. The balloon comprises a hollow body having a head. The body is closed at a distal end and open at a proximal end. The head extends from the distal end. The balloon also comprises a hollow neck positioned between the open proximal end and the distal end of the body. In the balloon, a wall thickness of the neck is greater than a wall thickness of the head. In a variation, the balloon can be configured such that, when the balloon is inflated, the head expands in a radial direction greater than in the longitudinal direction and a diameter of the body remains approximately constant during inflation. Also disclosed is a system for expanding an orifice. The system includes such a balloon and an inflation device for inflating the balloon. Also disclosed is a kit comprising the system and a container. Further, disclosed is a mould and a method for forming the balloon.