Biomimetic Artificial Bladder with Strain Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bladder replacement techniques, such as urinary diversion and intestinal reservoir formation, lead to complications like renal function deterioration, infection, and quality of life issues due to reabsorption of toxins and lack of contractile force, particularly for bladder cancer patients and those with nonfunctioning bladders.
Innovation Solution
A biocompatible artificial bladder with an expandable main body formed from hydrogel or hydrogel-nanofiber composite, equipped with a strain sensor and actuator for active urination, utilizing a self-charging system without external batteries, allowing for precise urine detection and discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If a small intestine is used to form a reservoir for bladder replacement, then urine storage is achieved, but reabsorption of uremic toxins and electrolytes occurs leading to renal function deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from biological tissue (small intestine) to synthetic biocompatible polymer, which eliminates the physiological absorption function while maintaining urine storage capacity. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by preventing toxin reabsorption while preserving volume storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials including biocompatible polymers, hydrogels, and nanofibers to create an artificial bladder that combines non-absorptive properties with urine storage capability. The composite structure provides both storage volume and prevents harmful reabsorption.
2Volume of stationary object
If a small intestine reservoir is formed for bladder replacement, then urine storage is achieved, but the small intestine cannot generate contractile force leading to inability to detect bladder fullness and perform effective urination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect bladder fullness and automatically trigger the actuator to discharge urine. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for biological contractile force by using automated detection and actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the biological mechanical contractile system with an artificial actuator system driven by sensors and control mechanisms. This substitution provides active urination capability without relying on the small intestine's inability to generate contractile force.
3Productivity
If urinary diversion is performed by removing the bladder and taking out the ureter, then urine flow into drainage bag is achieved, but patient appearance changes leading to deterioration in quality of life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an artificial bladder that copies the function and appearance of a natural bladder, allowing it to be implanted within the body cavity. This copying approach maintains normal external appearance while providing urine storage and active discharge functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The artificial bladder with integrated sensors and actuators autonomously manages urine storage and discharge, eliminating the need for external drainage bags and improving quality of life while maintaining drainage functionality.
4Ease of operation
If Foley catheter is used for long-term urination in patients with nonfunctioning bladder, then urination is achieved, but renal function deterioration and infection occur
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial bladder with integrated sensors and actuators autonomously manages urine storage and discharge, eliminating the need for long-term Foley catheter use. This self-service system reduces infection risk and prevents renal function deterioration associated with prolonged catheterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor detects bladder fullness and provides feedback to trigger the actuator for timely urine discharge. This feedback mechanism prevents overfilling and reduces infection risk, improving reliability compared to passive Foley catheter systems.
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 artificial bladder enables biocompatible and active urination, reducing complications and improving quality of life for patients by accurately measuring urine volume and timing urination, thus minimizing renal issues and infections.
Implementation Method 1
a main body which includes an inlet port, an outlet port, and a predetermined reservoir portion configured to store urine between the inlet port and the outlet port and is formed of a biocompatible polymer that is expandable so that a volume of the reservoir portion changes according to the amount of urine
Implementation Method 2
a sensor which is attached to an outer wall of the main body, has a surface having a wrinkled structure, and is provided so that, when the volume of the reservoir portion increases, the wrinkled structure stretches out and resistance of the sensor changes
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an artificial bladder including: a main body which includes an inlet port, an outlet port, and a predetermined reservoir portion configured to store urine between the inlet port and the outlet port and is formed of a biocompatible polymer that is expandable so that a volume of the reservoir portion changes according to the amount of urine; a sensor which is attached to an outer wall of the main body, has a surface having a wrinkled structure, and is provided so that, when the volume of the reservoir portion increases, the wrinkled structure stretches out and resistance of the sensor changes; and an actuator which is provided at the outlet port and is configured to discharge the urine according a result detected by the sensor.