Sequentially Inflating Catheter Balloons for Lumen Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic and catheter devices face challenges in self-propulsion through curved passageways without causing friction or damage to inner tissue walls, often relying on rearward friction which can hinder forward motion and require complex control systems and multiple inflation tubes.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled device using a series of inflatable chambers that sequentially inflate and deflate, gripping the passageway walls with chambers at the rear and front ends, eliminating reliance on rearward friction and allowing for flexible, minimally invasive navigation with a single supply line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current endoscopic devices are pushed manually through curved passageways, then the device can be delivered to the target position, but friction and possible injuries to the inner tissue walls occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device inverts the conventional propulsion method by pulling itself forward through sequential balloon inflation instead of being pushed from behind. The distal end with balloons grips the passageway walls to pull the device forward, eliminating the need for manual pushing and reducing friction and tissue injury risks
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the propulsion function into multiple balloons arranged sequentially along the catheter. Each balloon can be inflated independently to create gripping points at different positions, allowing controlled progression through curved passageways without requiring continuous friction along the entire device length
2Ease of operation
If multiple control lines or pneumatic tubes are used to operate the propulsion device, then the device can be controlled to move forward, but the control system and physical deployment become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple control functions into a single inflation tube. By using compliant balloons that can be selectively inflated through one tube, the complex system of multiple control lines is simplified to a single deployment mechanism, reducing both control system complexity and physical deployment difficulty
3Speed
If rearward friction is used to propel the device forward, then the device can be moved through the passageway, but the friction hinders forward motion and requires complex control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The device inverts the friction-based propulsion concept by using forward friction instead of rearward friction. The balloons at the distal end create friction with the passageway walls to pull the device forward, while the trailing end moves freely without requiring friction-based anchoring, simplifying the control system
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 efficient, friction-free navigation through long, curved passageways with reduced tissue trauma and minimal radial pressure, suitable for medical and industrial applications, and can operate independently of external mechanical systems.
Implementation Method 1
gripping the passageway walls with chambers at the rear and front ends
Implementation Method 2
sequential inflation and deflation
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled device for locomotion through a lumen, comprising a set of serially arranged inflatable chambers, the end ones of which expand at least radially when inflated. Connecting passages provide fluid communication between each pair of adjacent chambers. A fluid source is attached to one of the end chambers. The connecting passages are such that the fluid inflates the chambers in a sequence, beginning with the chamber closest to the source, and ending with the chamber furthest from the source. The same sequence occurs when the chambers deflate, beginning with the chamber closest to the source, and ending with the chamber furthest from the source. The fluid source can either be a fluid supply tube, extending to a supply outside the lumen, or it can be built-in and carried by the device. The device can crawl either along the lumen wall or on an inserted guide wire.