Electrically Actuated Implantable Cuff for Urethral Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for treating incontinence by applying pressure to the urethra are inefficient in managing the transition between applying and releasing pressure, which hampers effective treatment.
Innovation Solution
An implantable device comprising a frame member and a tension member that can transition between flexible and rigid states upon electrical current application, allowing the frame member to switch between open and closed configurations to control pressure on the urethra, utilizing a control member with a battery to manage this transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional mechanical device is used to apply pressure to the urethra, then the device structure is simple, but the efficiency of managing pressure transition is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation systems with an electrical system. The tension member is actuated by applying an electrical current, which transforms it from a flexible state to a rigid state, enabling efficient and controlled pressure transitions on the urethra without complex mechanical linkages
Solution Approach 2:
The tension member's physical properties are dynamically changed by applying electrical current. This parameter change transforms the material from flexible to rigid, allowing the device to efficiently manage pressure transitions by altering the mechanical properties of the tension member rather than using complex mechanical mechanisms
2Reliability
If the frame member is biased to closed configuration for continuous pressure, then incontinence prevention is effective, but patient comfort during voiding is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static biased configuration to a dynamic system where the frame member can switch between open and closed configurations. The tension member enables this dynamic behavior by transforming from flexible to rigid state upon electrical current application, allowing the frame to open for patient comfort during voiding while maintaining reliability for incontinence prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The device operates in periodic cycles, maintaining the frame in a closed configuration for incontinence prevention, then transitioning to an open configuration when electrical current is applied to allow voiding. This periodic action between closed and open states ensures both reliability and patient comfort
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 effectively applies and releases pressure as needed, enhancing the treatment of incontinence by allowing patients to void comfortably while maintaining pressure to prevent unintentional leakage.
Implementation Method 1
The tension member is configured to be disposed in the rigid state when an electrical current is applied to the tension member
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, an implantable device includes a frame member, and a tension member. The tension member has a first portion coupled to the frame member at a first location of the frame member and a second portion coupled to the frame member at a second location of the frame member. The tension member is configured to be disposed in a flexible state and a rigid state. The tension member is configured to be disposed in the rigid state when an electrical current is applied to the tension member.