Artificial Contractile Structure With Lead Screw Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current artificial sphincter devices for urinary and fecal incontinence face issues such as tissue erosion, high energy consumption, frequent battery recharging, and mechanical failures leading to life-threatening complications due to constant pressure and inefficient energy management.
Innovation Solution
A medical device featuring an artificial contractile structure with an electromotor and transmission element, utilizing a lead screw and nut mechanism to apply controlled pressure with significantly reduced energy consumption, allowing for long-term implantation and minimizing tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant pressure is applied by artificial sphincter devices, then incontinence is controlled, but tissue erosion and atrophy occur
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial sphincter device applies pressure periodically rather than continuously. The contractile element is activated in cycles, creating alternating periods of constriction and relaxation. This periodic action maintains incontinence control while allowing tissue recovery during relaxation phases, preventing erosion and atrophy that occur with constant pressure application.
2Ease of operation
If shape memory alloy elements are heated to open the sphincter, then the opening function is achieved, but tissue burns and necrosis occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal activation mechanism of shape memory alloys with an electromechanical actuation system. An electric motor drives a transmission mechanism (lead screw and nut) that mechanically opens and closes the contractile element. This substitution eliminates the need for heating, thereby preventing tissue burns and necrosis while maintaining the sphincter opening function.
3Device complexity
If shape memory alloy elements are used without heating control, then the device structure is simple, but the sphincter cannot be opened and life-threatening complications occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive thermal activation system with an active electromechanical control system. An electric motor coupled with a lead screw and nut transmission provides reliable mechanical actuation to open and close the sphincter. This substitution adds controlled actuation capability while maintaining manageable device complexity, preventing the life-threatening complication of inability to open the sphincter.
4Duration of action of moving object
If frequent battery recharging is implemented, then continuous operation is maintained, but patient quality of life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs energy-efficient actuation mechanisms and low-power electronics to extend battery operation. The electromechanical transmission system (lead screw and nut) requires minimal energy to maintain position, and the control electronics are optimized for low power consumption. These parameter changes in energy management enable continuous operation for extended periods without recharging, significantly improving patient quality of life.
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 long-term, efficient operation with reduced energy consumption, minimizing tissue damage and the need for frequent battery replacement, while maintaining effective organ constriction and relaxation.
Implementation Method 1
the electromotor comprises an electric motor, a gear head connected to said motor, a lead screw cooperating with a nut mounted on said lead screw
Implementation Method 2
cooperating with said gear head to exert a force on said transmission element
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device including an artificial contractile structure, which may be advantageously used to assist the functioning of a hollow organ, is provided. The medical device includes an artificial contractile structure including at least one contractile element adapted to contract an organ in such a way that the contractile element is in a resting or in an activated position; at least one actuator designed to activate the contractile structure; and at least one source of energy for powering the actuator. The actuator includes an electromotor and a transmission element linking the electromotor to the contractile element, the transmission element being configured to transmit to the contractile element a force induced by the electromotor. The electromotor includes an electric motor, a gear head connected to the motor, a lead screw cooperating with a nut mounted on the lead screw, the lead screw or the nut being connected to the transmission element and cooperating with the gear head to transmit the force induced by the electromotor on the transmission element. The ratio “current which is needed to maintain the contractile element in its activated position/current which is needed to change the position of the contractile element” is less than 1/500.