Pneumatic Air Cushion for Coating Applicator Distance Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional techniques for applying therapeutic agents to expandable medical devices, such as drug-coated balloons, face challenges in maintaining a fixed distance between the coating applicator and the device surface, leading to inconsistent drug delivery and coating uniformity, especially on non-uniformly shaped balloons.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that involves an applicator in fluid communication with a fluid source, where relative movement between the applicator outlet and the expandable member is maintained with a pressurized medium to keep a substantially fixed distance, ensuring consistent coating application along a coating path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional coating techniques are used without maintaining fixed distance, then the coating process is simpler, but coating uniformity and drug delivery consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating uniformityVSAvoidcoating system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A pneumatic positioning system uses pressurized gas to maintain a fixed distance between the coating applicator and the expandable member surface. The pneumatic cushioning creates a consistent gap that ensures uniform coating application while allowing relative movement between the applicator and device during the coating process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The pressurized medium acts as an intermediary element between the coating applicator and the expandable member. This intermediary maintains the fixed distance requirement without direct mechanical contact, enabling consistent coating while accommodating the movement and deformation of the expandable member during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the applicator moves relative to the expandable member surface, then coating coverage is improved, but maintaining fixed distance becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating coverageVSAvoiddistance control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pneumatic positioning system maintains fixed distance during relative movement by using pressurized gas pressure to cushion the applicator. As the applicator moves along the expandable member surface, the pneumatic pressure dynamically adjusts to maintain consistent spacing, enabling both coverage and precision simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic relative movement between the applicator and expandable member while maintaining a fixed distance through pneumatic pressure. The pneumatic cushioning adapts to movement conditions, providing continuous distance control throughout the coating process rather than requiring static positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If coating is applied to non-uniformly shaped balloons, then treatment versatility is improved, but coating consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidcoating consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pneumatic positioning system compensates for non-uniform device shapes by maintaining constant pressure differential. This pressure-based approach ensures that the applicator remains at a fixed distance from the surface regardless of surface curvature or device deformation, delivering consistent coating to varied configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the control parameter from mechanical positioning to pneumatic pressure control. By regulating gas pressure rather than mechanical distance, the system adapts to non-uniform geometries while maintaining consistent coating parameters, enabling versatile application across different device shapes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach allows for uniform and controlled application of therapeutic agents on expandable medical devices, enhancing drug delivery efficacy and reducing waste, even on devices with non-symmetrical or warped configurations.

Implementation Method 1

maintaining a substantially fixed distance between the at least one outlet and the surface of the expandable member during relative movement therebetween by displacing the at least one outlet to track the surface of the expandable member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir cushion: Air Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS9393385B2Maintaining a fixed distance by providing an air cushion during coating of a medical device

Publication Date: 2016.07.19 ABBOTT LAB INC

AI summary

System and method for coating an expandable member of a medical device comprising a support structure to support the expandable member and an applicator positioned with at least one outlet proximate a surface of an expandable member. A drive assembly establishes relative movement between the at least one outlet and the surface of the expandable member to apply fluid on the surface of the expandable member along a coating path. A positioning device maintains a substantially fixed distance between the at least one outlet and the surface of the expandable member during relative movement therebetween by ejecting a pressurized medium against the surface of the expandable member.