Two-Step Inflator Screw Mechanism for Precise Stent Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflators for angioplasty procedures with biodegradable stents require precise pressure application and slow ramp-up to nominal values to ensure proper stent implantation and structural integrity, while avoiding damage.
Innovation Solution
A two-step inflator with a two-piece screw piston rod mechanism and an adjustable excess valve that allows controlled pressure application, redirecting excess pressure to a container to prevent overloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-step pressure application mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and reliability of stent implantation deteriorate due to inability to apply precise controlled pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure application mechanism is divided into two distinct steps: a first step for initial balloon inflation to a first pressure level, and a second step for final inflation to a second pressure level. This segmentation allows each step to be controlled independently, ensuring precise pressure application required for biodegradable stent implantation while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflator employs a dynamic pressure control system where the pressure application profile changes between two distinct phases. The system transitions from a first pressure level to a second pressure level through controlled movement of the plunger, enabling adaptive pressure control that matches the specific requirements of biodegradable stent deployment without requiring overly complex mechanisms.
2Productivity
If pressure is applied rapidly to reach nominal values, then the productivity of the procedure is improved, but the reliability of stent implantation deteriorates due to potential damage from excessive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The inflation process is divided into two sequential steps with distinct pressure levels and rates. The first step inflates the balloon to an initial pressure level, and the second step completes the inflation to the final nominal pressure. This segmentation allows controlled, gradual pressure increase that prevents sudden pressure spikes while maintaining efficient overall procedure time.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-step pressure application mechanism provides a cushioning effect by gradually increasing pressure in two phases rather than applying full pressure immediately. This prevents sudden pressure shocks that could damage the biodegradable stent or balloon, ensuring safe and reliable implantation while still achieving the required nominal pressure efficiently.
3Ease of operation
If pressure control is simplified for ease of operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision of pressure monitoring deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inflator incorporates a pressure sensor that continuously monitors the pressure within the balloon during both inflation steps. This feedback mechanism provides real-time pressure information to the control system, enabling precise pressure control while maintaining simple operator interaction. The system automatically adjusts pressure application based on sensor readings, ensuring accurate pressure monitoring without complicating the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure control system operates autonomously through programmed two-step inflation sequences. Once the operator initiates the process, the system automatically executes the first pressure level, transitions to the second pressure level, and maintains precise pressure control throughout. This self-service capability simplifies operator tasks while ensuring high measurement precision through integrated pressure sensing and control algorithms.
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 precise pressure control and protection against exceeding set values, ensuring safe and effective deployment of biodegradable stents by maintaining pressure within specified limits.
Implementation Method 1
a two-step inflator with a two-piece screw piston rod mechanism
Implementation Method 2
A two-step inflator with a two-piece screw piston rod mechanism and an adjustable excess valve that allows controlled pressure application
Implementation Method 3
redirecting excess pressure to a container to prevent overloading
Implementation Method 4
an adjustable excess valve that allows controlled pressure application, redirecting excess pressure to a container to prevent overloading
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The subject matter of the invention is a two-step inflator with excess protection comprising a housing (6) and a cylinder (10) secured therein, with an outlet (13) terminating the cylinder in the lower part, with a plunger (9) slidably mounted inside the cylinder and attached to an inner screw (2), the screw terminated with a handle (1), wherein the thread of the inner screw (2) engages the inner thread of an outer screw (5) and the outer screw (5) is connected to the handle (3), with the inflator also comprising a pressure gauge (11). The outer screw (5) is mounted in the lining of a release brake (7), the lining connected to a brake release system (8), while connectors (4) are movably mounted at the outer edges of the lower handle (3) and the connectors connect in the lower position to the housing (6) and prevent the outer screw (5) from moving relative to the housing (6), and the connectors (4) connect in the upper position to the upper handle (1) of the inner screw (2) and lock the outer screw (5) and the inner screw (2) relative to each other but enable the outer screw (5) and the inner screw (2) to simultaneously move relative to the housing (6). Further, in the lower part of the cylinder (10), the inflator comprises a distributor (14), with a pressure gauge (11) and an adjustable excess valve (12) attached to the distributor.