Segmented Mechanical Dilator for Adjustable Radial Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dilators, particularly those using hydraulic balloons, face issues such as bursting, limited force application, and the need for multiple sizes, which can lead to inefficiencies and complications during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A dilator system comprising a leading and trailing portion with a segmented body that expands radially through longitudinal movement of the leading and trailing components, allowing for adjustable size and increased force without the need for fluid inflation, featuring a sheath for protection and adjustable expansion configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydraulic balloon is used for dilation, then the dilator can be inflated to expand the body opening, but the balloon may burst causing damage to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The dilator body is divided into multiple expandable segments that can be independently controlled. Each segment is a separate structural unit that can be expanded or contracted, allowing the dilator to adjust its size in a controlled manner without the risk of catastrophic failure like balloon bursting.
Solution Approach 2:
The dilator employs a dynamic mechanical expansion system where the segments can be moved between compressed and expanded states through longitudinal movement of the leading and trailing portions. This mechanical dynamic system replaces the static hydraulic balloon system, providing controlled adjustability and eliminating the bursting risk.
2Force
If a balloon dilator is used, then the size can be adjusted by inflation, but the force application is limited by the pressure that may be applied to the balloon
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic balloon system is replaced with a purely mechanical expansion system. The leading and trailing portions move longitudinally to mechanically expand the segmented body through direct mechanical action, eliminating the pressure limitations inherent in balloon inflation systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple balloon dilators of various sizes are provided, then a desired size may be selected, but if the selected size is incorrect, the dilator must be discarded and another selected
Solution Approach 1:
The dilator is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple size functions through a single unit. The segmented body can be expanded or contracted to various sizes by controlling the longitudinal movement of the leading and trailing portions, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-size dilators.
Solution Approach 2:
The dilator transitions from static fixed-size designs to a dynamic adjustable design. The segments can be mechanically expanded or contracted to different configurations, allowing one dilator to replace multiple fixed-size dilators and enabling size adjustment during procedures.
4Reliability
If a segmented body with longitudinal movement mechanism is used, then the dilator can expand radially without fluid inflation, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The dilator body is segmented into multiple expandable units that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the complex expansion function to be achieved through simple relative longitudinal movement of the segments, rather than requiring a complex single-piece mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented body segments are nested within each other in a compressed state for insertion, and can be expanded outward through longitudinal movement. This nesting arrangement allows the complex multi-segment structure to be compactly stored and easily inserted while maintaining the capability for radial expansion.
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
The dilator system provides enhanced resistance to failure, increased force application, and adjustable size options, reducing the risk of complications and improving procedural efficiency by eliminating the need for fluid inflation and multiple balloon sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The leading stem and the trailing shaft may be configured to move longitudinally relative to one another to radially outwardly expand the segmented body
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E~1F
AI summary
A dilator may include a leading portion that includes a leading end coupled to a leading stem. The dilator may further include a trailing portion that includes a trailing end coupled to a trailing shaft. The dilator may also include a segmented body disposed between the leading end and the trailing end. The segmented body may include a plurality of segments disposed circumferentially around the leading stem. The leading stem may extend through a passageway of the segmented body, an opening of the trailing end and a channel of the trailing shaft. The leading stem and the trailing shaft may be configured to move longitudinally relative to one another to radially outwardly expand the segmented body.