Silicone Valve Body Silicon Oxide Surface Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve bodies used in medical introducers face issues with increased sliding resistance due to lubricant depletion and radiation-induced deterioration, affecting operability and sterilization efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A valve body with a surface layer composed of silicon oxide, formed through laser irradiation of silicone rubber, which reduces sliding resistance and enhances radiation resistance, eliminating the need for lubricants and maintaining liquid-tightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lubricating liquid is applied to the valve body surface to reduce sliding resistance, then the sliding properties improve, but the lubricating liquid gradually depletes with repeated use, causing sliding resistance to increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body surface is modified to possess self-lubricating properties through laser irradiation, creating a low-friction surface that does not require external lubricating liquids. The surface modification enables the valve body to maintain low sliding resistance through its own surface characteristics rather than relying on depletable lubricants.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface properties of the valve body are fundamentally changed by laser irradiation, transforming the surface morphology and material characteristics to achieve low friction. This parameter change in surface properties eliminates the need for lubricating liquids while maintaining stable sliding resistance over repeated use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the valve body is made of flexible elastic material like silicone rubber to enable opening/closing function, then the valve body flexibility improves, but the material undergoes radiation-induced deterioration, damaging the valve function
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body has non-uniform surface properties created by laser irradiation, where only the surface layer is modified while the bulk material retains its flexible elastic properties. This local modification approach preserves the opening/closing function while enhancing radiation resistance at the critical surface interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body effectively becomes a composite structure with a modified surface layer and an unmodified bulk material. The surface layer provides radiation resistance and low friction, while the bulk silicone rubber maintains flexibility and elastic recovery, combining the benefits of both properties.
3Ease of operation
If the valve body surface is modified to reduce sliding resistance, then the operability improves, but the liquid-tightness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The laser irradiation parameters are controlled to modify only the surface morphology and friction characteristics without creating defects or porosity that would compromise liquid-tightness. The surface modification changes friction parameters while maintaining the integrity of the valve body structure.
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 valve body exhibits stable sliding properties and improved radiation resistance, preventing increased resistance with repeated use and maintaining liquid-tightness without lubricants, while withstanding sterilization processes.
Implementation Method 1
a surface layer composed of silicon oxide, formed through laser irradiation of silicone rubber
Implementation Method 2
the silicone rubber in the vicinity of the surface in the region is modified into silicon oxide
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
A valve body, e.g., one to be disposed in a connector to be connected to a catheter. This valve body has an opening/closing part which, upon insertion of a guide wire, opens or closes while sliding on the guide wire. The valve body includes a main body part made of a silicone rubber and a surface layer disposed on a surface of the main body part. This surface layer serves as a sliding surface which, when a guide wire has been inserted into the opening/closing part, slides on the guide wire. The surface layer is constituted mainly of silicon oxide and hence improves the sliding properties of the guide wire. Thus, the valve body is reduced in the resistance of sliding on the guide wire.