Dual-Membrane Inflatable Stent for High-Pressure Pipe Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stents lack effectiveness in harsh environments such as high-pressure gas, oil, and water systems, and in medical applications, where speed, ease of use, and reliable deployment are critical.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable stent design featuring an inner and outer flexible membrane with connecting members, inflatable pipe or lumen engaging portions, and end caps, allowing for radial spacing and increased rigidity, enabling secure deployment and sealing in pipes of varying diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single membrane stent is used, then the structure is simple, but the stent lacks sufficient rigidity and stability in high-pressure environments
Solution Approach 1:
The stent is divided into two separate membranes (inner and outer) that are radially spaced apart, with each membrane performing specific functions. The inner membrane provides sealing against the pipe wall, while the outer membrane provides structural support and rigidity, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner membrane is nested within the outer membrane, creating a dual-membrane structure where both membranes work together. This nested configuration allows the stent to achieve enhanced rigidity and stability while maintaining a compact design that doesn't significantly increase overall complexity.
2Reliability
If the stent is designed for secure engagement with pipe walls, then sealing effectiveness improves, but deployment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stent employs inflatable portions that can dynamically change from a compressed delivery state to an expanded deployed state. During deployment, the inflatable portions are inflated through catheters to engage securely with the pipe wall, providing reliable sealing while maintaining ease of deployment through the dynamic transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stent uses pneumatic inflation of the inflatable portions to achieve secure engagement with the pipe wall. The inflatable portions are inflated with fluid or gas through delivery catheters, creating reliable sealing without requiring complex mechanical deployment mechanisms, thus maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliability.
3Reliability
If the stent structure is made more complex with multiple membranes and components, then reliability in harsh environments improves, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stent is manufactured as separate components (inner membrane, outer membrane, inflatable portions, connecting members) that can be produced independently using standard fabrication techniques. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and manufactured with appropriate materials, improving reliability while managing manufacturing complexity through modular production.
Solution Approach 2:
The separate manufactured components are assembled and bonded together to form the complete stent structure. The inner and outer membranes are connected by connecting members, and the inflatable portions are integrated into the system, creating a reliable multi-component structure that leverages the advantages of segmented manufacturing while achieving integrated performance.
4Productivity
If the stent is designed to bridge across damaged pipe sections, then flow continuity is maintained, but the risk of further pipe damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stent uses flexible membrane structures that can conform to the internal geometry of the pipe, including damaged sections. The inner membrane provides a smooth sealing surface that engages gently with the pipe wall, while the outer membrane provides structural support, allowing the stent to bridge across damaged areas and maintain flow continuity without exerting excessive localized stress that could cause further damage.
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 stent provides reliable sealing and support in high-pressure environments, facilitates easy deployment and maintenance, and allows for secure engagement with pipe walls, reducing the risk of further damage and ensuring effective fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable portion that comprises: an inner membrane of a flexible sheet material defining a first end and a second end of the inflatable portion, and a passage there between when inflated
Implementation Method 2
the inner and outer membranes are connected by a plurality of connecting members in the annular space
Implementation Method 3
by first and second end caps that connect the membranes at the respective first and second ends of the inner membrane
Implementation Method 4
the inflatable portion is further provided with at least one inflatable pipe or lumen engaging portion that defines a second, larger diameter of the stent, when the inflatable portion is inflated
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable stent for use in the repair and maintenance of pipes such as water or gas supply pipes, or for use as a medical device comprises an inflatable portion having an inner and outer membrane. When inflated, the inner and outer membranes are radially spaced apart to define an annular space there between. The inner membrane defines a passage between a first and second end and the outer membrane defines a first diameter (D1) of the stent. The inner and outer membranes are connected by a plurality of connecting members in the annular space. End caps are disposed on the first and second ends of the stent which connect the inner and outer membranes. The inflatable portion further comprises an inflatable pipe or lumen engaging portion that defines a second, larger diameter (D2) of the stent, when inflated.