Artificial Contractile Structure With Corrosion-Reducing System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current artificial contractile structures for medical applications, such as artificial sphincters, face issues like tissue erosion, high energy consumption, and inefficient pressure control, leading to frequent battery replacements and mechanical failures, which compromise their effectiveness and longevity.

Innovation Solution

A medical device featuring an implantable artificial contractile structure with a band that surrounds the organ, an actuator with a magnetic coupling system, and a control unit with corrosion-reducing design, allowing for long-term implantation with reduced energy consumption and improved pressure control, minimizing tissue damage and extending battery life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If constant pressure is applied to maintain sphincter closure, then incontinence is prevented, but tissue erosion and necrosis occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveincontinence preventionVSAvoidtissue erosion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by alternating between multiple contractile elements (first and second contractile elements) - when one element is activated to provide closure pressure, the other is deactivated to allow tissue recovery. This cycling pattern prevents continuous pressure on any single tissue region, thereby preventing erosion and necrosis while maintaining effective incontinence prevention through regular alternating contraction cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Ease of operation

If shape memory alloy elements are used for sphincter control, then opening and closing function is achieved, but high energy consumption and overheating occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesphincter controlVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the shape memory alloy mechanical system with an electromechanical system comprising electromotors, gearheads, and lead screws. This substitution enables more efficient energy utilization through electrical actuation, provides better thermal management through heat dissipation in the electromechanical components, and allows for more precise control of the contractile elements while maintaining the opening and closing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If shape memory alloy elements are used for sphincter control, then opening and closing function is achieved, but tissue erosion due to high temperature occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesphincter controlVSAvoidtissue erosion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the shape memory alloy system with an electromechanical system that does not rely on thermal phase transformation. The electromotors and mechanical transmission components (gearheads, lead screws) operate at significantly lower temperatures, eliminating the thermal damage risk to surrounding tissues while preserving the sphincter control functionality through electrical actuation and mechanical advantage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If artificial sphincter device remains in closed position due to mechanical failure, then incontinence is prevented, but emergency surgery is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveincontinence preventionVSAvoiddevice failure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the sphincter control system into independent, modular components - first and second contractile elements, separate electromotors, and independent transmission mechanisms. This modular architecture allows individual components to fail without causing complete system failure, enables selective replacement of malfunctioning parts, and simplifies repair procedures by allowing access and replacement of specific modules without requiring complete device removal or complex disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 device achieves significant reduction in tissue erosion and energy consumption, enabling long-term implantation (up to several years) with minimal maintenance, improving patient quality of life and reducing healthcare costs by maintaining optimal pressure control and reducing the need for frequent battery replacements.

Implementation Method 1

The actuator is designed to activate the contractile structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11246695B2Medical device comprising an artificial contractile structure

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 MYOPOWERS MEDICAL TECH FRANCE SAS

AI summary

A medical device is provided including an artificial contractile structure which may be used to assist the functioning of a hollow organ. The medical device includes an artificial contractile structure including at least one contractile element configured to contract an organ, in such way that the contractile element is in a resting or in an activated position, at least one actuator configured to activate the contractile structure, and at least one source of energy to power the actuator. The medical device includes a corrosion reducing system configured to reduce corrosion of the medical device.