Pressure Rigidization Control for Fast Sterile State Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dynamically rigidizing medical devices face challenges in transitioning quickly and safely between flexible and rigid states, with issues related to cross-contamination, complexity, and inefficiencies in pressure control, which affect safety and performance.
Innovation Solution
The development of rigidizing pressure control systems that regulate fluid pressure to rapidly transition devices between states, incorporating pressure sensors, valves, and control circuitry to manage pressure pulses, minimize leaks, and prevent cross-contamination, while allowing for safe and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If pressure-actuated rigidization is used to enable rapid transition between flexible and rigid states, then speed and accessibility are improved, but risks of cross-contamination and pressure control issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate sterile and non-sterile sections with distinct pressure control systems. The sterile adapter assembly interfaces with the non-sterile pressure control system, allowing pressure actuation without compromising sterility. This segmentation enables rapid rigidization while preventing cross-contamination between sterile and non-sterile environments.
Solution Approach 2:
A sterile adapter assembly acts as an intermediary component between the non-sterile pressure control system and the sterile medical device. This adapter allows pressure transmission while maintaining the sterile barrier, enabling safe and rapid transition between states without direct contact between sterile and non-sterile components.
2Reliability
If complex pressure control systems with sensors and valves are integrated to improve safety and precision, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions (pressure sensing, valve actuation, flow regulation) are merged into an integrated control system that manages all pressure-related operations through a unified interface. This consolidation maintains precise pressure control and safety monitoring while reducing the apparent complexity by providing centralized control rather than separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure control system incorporates automatic pressure regulation and monitoring that adjusts parameters without continuous manual intervention. Sensors detect pressure conditions and trigger appropriate valve actions automatically, reducing the operational complexity while maintaining high reliability through self-regulating mechanisms.
3Productivity
If rapid transition between states is achieved through pressure pulses, then productivity is improved, but setup and teardown time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-configured with integrated pressure pathways, sensors, and control mechanisms that are ready for immediate operation. The sterile adapter assembly is pre-assembled with all necessary pressure control components, eliminating the need for complex setup procedures and reducing preparation time while maintaining rapid transition capability during the procedure.
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
These systems enable rapid, safe, and precise transitions between flexible and rigid configurations, reducing setup and teardown time, enhancing safety, and improving manufacturability, while minimizing environmental impact and cross-contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
a compression layer configured to be pushed against the rigidizing layer by a pressure differential from the inlet to rigidize the rigidizing layer
Data Source
AI summary
Pressure control systems/sub-systems that improve the operation and safety of dynamically rigidizing devices may control the application of pressure to rigidize/de-rigidize a pressure-rigidized device. Described herein apparatuses and methods for rigidizing and maintaining rigidization using over-pressurized, transient pulses for a pressure-rigidizing medical device. These apparatuses and methods may rigidize and/or de-rigidize more rapidly and effectively.