Powder Delivery Chassis With Gas Fluidization for Catheter Anti-Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Delivering hemostatic powders endoscopically to bleeding sites is challenging due to the need for effective delivery through a catheter, which often results in clogging and inefficient distribution.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a chassis that fluidizes powdered agents using pressurized gas, creating a vortex to facilitate delivery through a catheter, and includes features like augers and vibrating components to prevent clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hemostatic powder is delivered through a catheter using conventional methods, then the powder can be transported to the bleeding site, but clogging occurs and distribution becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by introducing pressurized gas into the powder to fluidize it, transforming the powder from a static granular state to a fluidized state that can flow smoothly through the catheter without clogging. The gas flow suspends the powder particles and carries them through the delivery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs mechanical vibration through a vibrating element that agitates the powder in the reservoir, preventing particle settling and bridging that would cause clogging. The vibration keeps the powder loose and ready for fluidization, ensuring reliable delivery.
2Productivity
If hemostatic powder is delivered through a catheter, then treatment can be applied to the bleeding site, but the powder distribution is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic fluidization to create a uniform suspension of powder particles in gas. This fluidized state ensures even distribution of the powder as it exits the catheter, improving both delivery efficiency and distribution uniformity. The gas flow pattern can be controlled to achieve desirable distribution characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the powder from static to fluidized by adjusting parameters such as gas pressure, gas flow rate, and powder bed height. These parameter changes enable the powder to flow and distribute uniformly, transforming it from a difficult-to-handle granular material to a controllable fluid-like medium.
3Device complexity
If powder is introduced into the catheter without fluidization, then the apparatus is simpler, but clogging occurs and delivery is unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relatively simple pneumatic system consisting of a gas source, fluidization chamber, and associated passages. This adds minimal complexity compared to mechanical pumping or complex valve systems, while dramatically improving delivery reliability through fluidization.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluidization process is self-regulating to some extent - the gas flow automatically adjusts to fluidize the powder bed based on the powder amount and properties. The system uses the inherent properties of gas-powder interaction to achieve reliable delivery without requiring complex control mechanisms.
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
Enhances the delivery of hemostatic powders by reducing clogging and ensuring uniform distribution, effectively stopping bleeding at treatment sites.
Implementation Method 1
At least a first portion of the pressurized gas is introduced into the powdered agent at the junction to fluidize the powdered agent
Implementation Method 2
An angle of the fourth passage relative to the second passage may cause the second portion of the pressurized gas to be emitted tangentially relative to a wall of the second passage to create a vortex of the pressurized gas and the powdered agent in the second passage
Implementation Method 3
The powder chamber may be positioned above the chassis, such that gravity assists movement of the powdered agent out of the powder chamber and into the second passage
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for delivering a powdered agent into a subject's body may include a powder chamber housing the powdered agent. The apparatus also may include a chassis in fluid connection with the powder chamber. The chassis may include a first passage for receiving a pressurized gas, a second passage for receiving the powdered agent from the powder chamber, and a junction in fluid communication with the first passage and the second passage. At least a first portion of the pressurized gas is introduced into the powdered agent at the junction to fluidize the powdered agent.