Multi-Plunger Inflation Device Force Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical inflation devices require high input forces to achieve high pressure, especially when using large diameter syringes, and struggle with rapid inflation/deflation cycles necessary for procedures like valvuloplasty, where quick pressure changes between heartbeats are needed.
Innovation Solution
The development of an inflation device with multiple plungers that can automatically toggle between large and small plungers, allowing for selective locking and unlocking to reduce the force required for high-pressure inflation and enable rapid pressure changes, using a combination of locking mechanisms and angled surfaces to manage plunger movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large diameter syringe is used to achieve high pressure, then the fluid volume capacity is improved, but the input force required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The inflation device divides the single plunger into multiple plungers (first plunger, second plunger, third plunger) with different cross-sectional areas. Each plunger handles a specific phase of inflation: the first plunger with larger area handles initial volume displacement, while the second and third plungers with smaller areas handle high-pressure phases. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high fluid volume capacity and reduced input force by matching plunger area to the specific inflation phase requirements.
2Device complexity
If a single plunger is used for inflation, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to perform rapid inflation/deflation cycles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic switching between multiple plungers based on the inflation phase. The locking mechanism allows automatic transition from the first plunger to the second and third plungers as pressure increases. This dynamic reconfiguration enables rapid deflation by simply retracting the active plunger, facilitating quick inflation/deflation cycles necessary for procedures like valvuloplasty without requiring complete device disassembly or complex valve systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional complex valve mechanisms with a plunger-based system where inflation and deflation are controlled by advancing and retracting different plungers. The locking mechanism uses mechanical engagement between the plunger and syringe body to seal the system, eliminating the need for complex valve assemblies and enabling faster response times for pressure changes.
3Stress or pressure
If high pressure is achieved using a single plunger, then the pressure level is sufficient, but the input force becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies local quality by assigning different cross-sectional areas to different plungers based on the specific inflation phase. The first plunger has a larger cross-sectional area optimized for initial volume displacement at lower pressures, while the second and third plungers have smaller cross-sectional areas optimized for high-pressure phases. This local optimization of plunger geometry allows the system to achieve high inflation pressure with reduced input force by matching plunger area to the specific pressure phase.
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
This solution significantly reduces the force needed for high-pressure inflation, allowing for efficient and rapid fluid displacement, enabling procedures like valvuloplasty by minimizing the input force required and facilitating quick pressure changes between heartbeats.
Implementation Method 1
locking mechanisms and angled surfaces to manage plunger movement
Implementation Method 2
locked in a locked configuration... forces required to reach particular inflation pressures
Data Source
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AI summary
An inflation device that may comprise multiple plungers is disclosed. The inflation device may have multiple configurations wherein certain plungers are locked with respect to a body of the inflation device while others are configured to be displaceable within the body. Each plunger may be configured with a different effective surface area, allowing a practitioner to vary the amount of force required to attain certain pressures.