AI-Controlled Implantable Drug Delivery Piston Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery implants have poorly controlled drug release profiles, leading to undesirable drug concentration decreases over time, and they lack the ability to easily optimize flow rates and drug volumes.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-proof, implantable device with a pump, piston, and drug chamber that allows for controlled and adjustable drug release, maintaining a flow rate variation of ±25% or less, and incorporating AI for real-time optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional implantable drug delivery devices are used, then drug delivery is simplified, but drug release profiles are poorly controlled and drug concentration decreases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a movable piston that can be dynamically positioned to adjust the exposed surface area of the drug reservoir, enabling dynamic control of drug release rate. The piston transitions between retracted and extended positions to modulate the interface between drug formulation and delivery medium, allowing the system to adapt release characteristics over time rather than following a fixed degradation profile
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of drug release by varying the exposed surface area of the drug reservoir through piston movement. This parameter change allows control over the release kinetics, transforming the release profile from a passive decreasing concentration to an actively controlled delivery rate that can be adjusted during the device's operational lifecycle
2Device complexity
If fixed drug release implants are used, then device complexity is reduced, but flow rate optimization and volume adjustment become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The piston mechanism provides dynamic adjustability within a relatively simple device architecture. By moving the piston to different positions, the system can optimize flow rates and adjust drug volumes delivered without requiring complex electronic controls or multiple interchangeable components, maintaining mechanical simplicity while achieving adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The drug delivery system is segmented into distinct functional zones: a drug reservoir, a piston boundary, and a delivery interface. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each zone, enabling flow rate adjustment and volume control by modifying the configuration of individual segments rather than redesigning the entire device
3Measurement precision
If medication adherence programs are used, then treatment monitoring is improved, but patient compliance remains poor with 40-50% nonadherence rate
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable device provides self-service by automatically delivering the prescribed drug dosage without requiring patient action. The device autonomously controls drug release rates and timing, eliminating the need for patients to remember or manually administer medications, thereby addressing the root cause of nonadherence while providing built-in monitoring capabilities
4Reliability
If implantable pump devices are used, then controlled drug delivery is achieved, but flow rate variation exceeds acceptable limits with ±25% or more
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the piston position and drug release characteristics are continuously monitored and adjusted. This feedback control allows the device to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and operational variations, maintaining flow rate consistency within ±25% by actively regulating the drug-reservoir interface rather than relying solely on precise manufacturing
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to device, system and methods for personalised drug dosing via a device, the device comprising a first chamber comprising a drug reservoir unit; a second chamber comprising an electronic unit comprising a control component; a third chamber comprising a drug delivery unit and a flow control component controlled via the electronic unit; wherein the device is fully implanted in a subject during its intended operational modes, and wherein the device releases a body temperature stable drug formulation into the subject at a flow rate such that a variation in the flow rate is within ±15% by volume.