Binary Fluid Control Valve With Spring-Driven Full-Aperture Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current self-opening release valves for gastric balloons and similar devices often have uncontrolled degradation rates and flow rates, making rapid deflation challenging, and require invasive endoscopic procedures for removal.
Innovation Solution
A self-opening fluid release mechanism with a binary operation, comprising a valve mechanism, an energy storage device, and a restraining element, where the energy storage device forces the valve to a fully open state once the restraining element loses strength, allowing controlled rapid fluid release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a self-opening release valve is used for gastric balloons, then invasive endoscopic procedures are reduced, but the fluid release flow rate is uncontrolled and degradation rate is uncontrolled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the degradation rate of the release material through material selection and design. The release material is engineered to degrade at a specific rate that enables controlled rapid fluid release. Additionally, the energy storage device parameters (spring constant, pre-compression force) are optimized to achieve the desired binary operation and full aperture opening, transforming the uncontrolled degradation and flow rate into controlled parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical valve control system with a chemically-driven system. Instead of using mechanical actuators or external control mechanisms, the valve operation is driven by the chemical degradation of the release material. This substitution enables the valve to transition from uncontrolled passive release to a more controlled system where degradation kinetics determine the release profile, while the binary mechanical design ensures full aperture opening for rapid flow.
2Ease of operation
If a self-opening release valve is used for gastric balloons, then invasive endoscopic procedures are reduced, but the valve may not open fully to achieve rapid deflation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the valve to transition from a static closed state to a dynamic fully-open state. The binary operation mechanism ensures the valve does not merely partially open but transitions to a fully-aperture state. The energy storage device provides the necessary force to overcome any friction or resistance, ensuring complete opening. This dynamic design allows the valve to achieve full aperture opening rapidly once activation begins, enabling rapid deflation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action through the pre-compressed energy storage device (spring) that is prepared in advance to provide the necessary opening force. The valve mechanism is pre-configured in a closed position with the energy storage device already charged and ready to actuate the valve. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the release material degrades, the valve can immediately transition to full aperture opening without delay, achieving rapid deflation.
3Productivity
If a binary operation valve is implemented with energy storage device, then controlled rapid fluid release is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple functions into integrated components. The energy storage device serves both as the actuation mechanism and the control element. The release material serves dual purposes: it acts as both the sealing element and the control mechanism that triggers valve opening through degradation. The valve body integrates the flow path, sealing surface, and actuation interface. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device despite the binary operation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by designing the valve to activate and control its own opening without external intervention. The energy storage device automatically converts its stored mechanical energy to open the valve when the release material degrades. The release material's degradation naturally triggers the opening sequence without requiring external signals or control systems. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external control circuitry or additional actuation components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining controlled rapid fluid release.
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 rapid and controlled deflation of fluid-filled devices by ensuring the valve opens fully, reducing the need for invasive procedures and improving the timing and adequacy of fluid release.
Implementation Method 1
a compressed spring disposed between the traveler and the base
Implementation Method 2
the release material is susceptible to deterioration when exposed to environmental conditions in the second space
Implementation Method 3
the release material is susceptible to deterioration when exposed to environmental conditions in the second space
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid control valves including single-opening, binary fluid control valves that are initially closed and can be opened one time only to allow a fluid transfer between two spaces separated by a fluid impermeable barrier. Applications of valves of this type include inflatable devices, including but not limited to medical device balloons, in particular gastric balloons for weight loss.