Nested Balloon Assembly with Differential Burst Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Balloons on medical devices experience burst failures due to circumferential and axial stress during inflation, leading to undesirable outcomes during medical treatments.
Innovation Solution
A nested balloon assembly is designed with an inner balloon and an outer balloon having a differential target burst pressure, ensuring the outer balloon remains intact when the inner balloon bursts, achieved by selecting a predetermined burst pressure differential between the two balloons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single balloon is used in medical treatment, then the device is simple and easy to operate, but the balloon may burst during inflation causing treatment failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing an inner balloon inside an outer balloon, creating a nested balloon assembly. The inner balloon has a first burst pressure and the outer balloon has a second burst pressure that is higher than the first. This nested structure allows the inner balloon to burst at a lower pressure while the outer balloon remains intact, preventing catastrophic failure and maintaining device functionality.
2Strength
If the balloon wall is made stronger to resist bursting, then the burst pressure increases, but the balloon may still fail under extreme stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single balloon system into two separate balloons (inner and outer), each with distinct burst pressure characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to handle stress in stages: the inner balloon absorbs initial stress and bursts at a controlled pressure, while the outer balloon continues to provide structural integrity and prevent catastrophic failure.
3Reliability
If a nested balloon assembly is used to prevent bursting, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inner and outer balloons into a single integrated assembly that is delivered together through the catheter. Both balloons are inflated simultaneously through a common inflation lumen, simplifying the operational process despite the increased structural complexity. The merged assembly maintains coordinated function throughout the procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical balloon assembly including an inner balloon nested within an outer balloon. The inner balloon has a first target burst pressure at which the inner balloon bursts and the outer balloon has a second target burst pressure at which the outer balloon bursts. A differential between the first and second target burst pressures is sufficient to allow the outer balloon to remain intact upon inflation of the inner and outer balloons causing the inner balloon to burst.