Inflatable Balloon Locomotion Device with Segmented Chambers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic and vascular devices face challenges in navigating long, curved tubes without causing friction or damage to inner tissue walls, and often require complex control systems due to multiple propulsion mechanisms and control lines.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled device with serially arranged inflatable chambers that maintain rigidity through stiffening elements and flexible segments, allowing sequential inflation and deflation to move forward, and can attach a working channel to the distal end for improved traction and control, with a fluid supply system that enables movement in either direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control lines or pneumatic tubes are used to operate the device, then the device can achieve complex propulsion and control functions, but the control system becomes complicated and the physical deployment within the passageway becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single pneumatic tube system. The single tube delivers inflation medium to multiple chambers sequentially, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate control lines. This merging of control pathways simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to perform complex propulsion and control functions through programmed inflation sequences of different chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
The single inflation tube serves multiple functions: it inflates different chambers at different times to achieve forward propulsion, backward propulsion, and positioning. By making the inflation tube multi-functional rather than dedicating separate tubes to each function, the system reduces complexity while maintaining versatility in propulsion and control capabilities.
2Strength
If the device is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then it can push through the lumen effectively, but it causes friction and possible injuries to the inner tissue walls
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple inflatable chambers that can be inflated and deflated sequentially. This segmentation allows different portions of the device to have different rigidity states at different times. During propulsion, only specific chambers are inflated to provide localized pushing force, while other chambers remain deflated to reduce overall friction and allow the device to navigate curved passages more gently.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where rigidity can be adjusted in space and time. By selectively inflating and deflating chambers, the device can dynamically modify its mechanical properties - becoming rigid only where and when needed for propulsion, and flexible elsewhere to reduce friction and accommodate tissue contours, thereby minimizing tissue damage.
3Ease of operation
If the device is made flexible to navigate curved passages, then it can move through the lumen easily, but it lacks the rigidity to push effectively and maintain spatial relationship between components
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple chambers with separator segments between them. These separators provide structural support and maintain spatial relationships between chambers while allowing the overall device to be flexible. The segmented design enables the device to bend and navigate curved passages while maintaining the relative positioning of individual chambers when needed for effective propulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically adjusts its flexibility and rigidity through selective chamber inflation. When navigating curved passages, chambers are kept deflated to maximize flexibility. When propulsion is needed, specific chambers are inflated to provide rigid pushing force. This dynamic adjustment allows the device to exhibit both flexibility and rigidity as required by the operational context.
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 efficiently navigates internal passageways with reduced friction and damage, providing effective propulsion and control while simplifying the control system by using a single inflation tube, and allowing for enhanced functionality with attached tools and viewing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid supply system is provided for inflating the chambers sequentially
Implementation Method 2
serially arranged inflatable chambers
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled device for locomotion through a lumen, comprising a set of serially arranged inflatable chambers, and incorporating a number of novel aspects. To enable easy insertion and use, the rigidity of the device is increased by means of rigid inserts in the balloons, or by use of stiff springs between segments. The working channel can be attached to the distal chamber of the device, such that it is pulled from the leading end of the device during inflation, rather than being pulled from the trailing end of the device during deflation. Lumen wall inspection or treatment facilities are enabled by means of a camera or treatment arm mounted between two distally positioned balloons, the device is able to provide observation capabilities to the lumen wall, yet without becoming excessively dirty by exposure to the front end of the device, as in prior art camera units.