Powdered Agent Delivery Chamber for Precise Endoscopic Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for delivering hemostatic agents during endoscopic procedures are inefficient, requiring multiple steps, leading to inconsistent dosing, agent clogging, and difficulty in reaching deep treatment sites within the gastrointestinal tract.
Innovation Solution
A device with a chamber and movable body that transitions between configurations to control agent and fluid flow, using springs, gears, and triggers to ensure precise delivery of a predetermined amount of powdered agent combined with fluid for delivery to treatment sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical systems are used for agent delivery, then delivery capability is achieved, but delivery complexity and number of steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the agent storage chamber, movable body, flow control valve, and delivery mechanism into a single integrated endoscopic device. The body merges multiple functions (blocking agent inlet, controlling fluid flow, positioning) into one component that operates through simple proximal-distal movement, eliminating the need for separate mechanical systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks the agent inlet when in the first position, allows fluid flow when in the second position, and controls the mixing of agent and fluid. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall operation to a single movement.
2Measurement precision
If traditional delivery mechanisms are used, then agent delivery is possible, but dosing consistency and delivery rate control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses the natural flow dynamics of the endoscope and the positional relationship between the movable body and inlet/outlet openings to automatically control dosing. When the body is in the second position, fluid flow through the outlet opens a predetermined amount of agent from the chamber, creating a self-regulating dosing mechanism that requires no external control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical position of the movable body (first position blocking inlet, second position allowing flow) to control the delivery parameters. This binary positional change creates distinct delivery states (blocked vs. flowing) that provide precise control over agent delivery timing and amount.
3Reliability
If agent is delivered through conventional methods, then delivery is achieved, but agent clogging and inconsistent dosing occur
Solution Approach 1:
The movable body acts as an intermediary mechanism between the agent chamber and the delivery outlet. By controlling the body's position, it regulates the flow path to prevent direct contact between the agent and potential clogging points, while still enabling reliable delivery when needed through the controlled opening of the outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The device prepares the agent in a controlled manner within the chamber before delivery. The movable body is positioned to block the inlet during storage, preventing premature clogging. When delivery is needed, the body moves to the second position to simultaneously open the outlet and allow controlled agent flow, preventing clogging during the delivery process.
4Reliability
If deep treatment sites are targeted, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but delivery difficulty and agent reach deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes fluid dynamics and pressure differentials created by the movable body's movement to propel the agent through the endoscope's working channel. When the body moves to the second position, fluid flow through the outlet creates a flow path that carries the agent distally to deep treatment sites without requiring additional mechanical propulsion.
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
Enables consistent and controlled delivery of powdered agents, overcoming issues of clogging and inconsistent dosing, ensuring effective hemostasis at remote treatment sites.
Implementation Method 1
A spring may be attached to the body. The body may transition from the first configuration to the second configuration due to a restorative force of the spring.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for delivering an agent may comprise a chamber for receiving agent through an agent inlet; and a body received within the chamber. The body may be movable in first and second directions along a longitudinal axis of the chamber. In a first configuration of the body, an amount of the agent may flow into the chamber via the agent inlet. In a second configuration of the body, the agent is prevented from flowing into the chamber via the agent inlet. When the body is transitioned from the first configuration to the second configuration, the amount of the agent may be moved from a first position along the longitudinal axis of the chamber to a second position along the longitudinal axis of the chamber.