Powdered Agent Delivery Chamber for Precise Endoscopic Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for delivering hemostatic agents during endoscopic procedures face challenges such as requiring multiple steps, inconsistent dosing, agent clogging, and failure to reach 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 mixed with fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical delivery system is used to transport hemostatic agent, then the agent can be delivered to the treatment site, but the system requires numerous steps or actuations and may result in agent clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the delivery chamber into distinct regions: a first chamber for receiving powdered agent and a second chamber for mixing agent with fluid. The body partitions these chambers and controls their fluid communication, segmenting the delivery process into separate functional stages to prevent clogging and simplify operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The body is made movable between multiple configurations (first, second, and third configurations) along the longitudinal axis, dynamically changing the fluid communication pathways between chambers. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its state for different operational phases without requiring complex multi-component mechanisms.
2Productivity
If the body is positioned to allow agent flow, then agent can be delivered, but fluid may also flow into the chamber causing inconsistent dosing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by positioning the body in specific configurations before delivery occurs. In the first configuration, the body is positioned to allow agent flow while preventing fluid flow. The system prepares the dosing state in advance, then transitions to the second configuration for mixing, ensuring precise dosage control is established before the actual delivery phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable body acts as a feedback mechanism that responds to operational requirements. The body's position is adjusted based on whether agent delivery or fluid mixing is needed, creating a self-regulating system that maintains precise dosage control by physically blocking or opening pathways in response to the current operational state.
3Productivity
If the agent is delivered quickly, then the treatment can be performed efficiently, but the agent may not reach deep treatment sites within the GI tract
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables continuous useful action by maintaining fluid communication between chambers through the movable body's configurations. In the third configuration, both agent and fluid can flow simultaneously through the delivery catheter, ensuring continuous delivery of the mixed solution to deep treatment sites without interruption or delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable body serves as an intermediary mechanism that coordinates between agent delivery and fluid mixing functions. By transitioning through intermediate configurations, the body mediates the timing and coordination of agent and fluid flow, ensuring that the agent is properly mixed with fluid before reaching deep treatment sites, thereby maintaining both speed and effectiveness.
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 efficient delivery of powdered agents to treatment sites within the body, overcoming issues of clogging and inconsistent dosing, and ensuring the agent reaches deep within the GI tract.
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.