Electrochemical Release Device with Pulsed Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical methods for controlled release of compositions, such as in medical applications, face challenges in achieving precise control over the timing and quantity of drug delivery, with potential for unwanted activation of tissues and inefficient diffusion due to long voltage pulses and uncontrolled release mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a working electrode with an electroactive conjugated polymer, a counter electrode, and a reference electrode, utilizing specific electrical conditions including voltametric pulses, rest periods, and intermediate periods to control the release sequence, ensuring no current flows during non-release periods to prevent unwanted activation and enhance diffusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If long voltage pulses are applied to achieve composition release, then the release quantity is sufficient, but unwanted activation of excitable tissues occurs and diffusion efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic voltage pulses with specific timing characteristics to release composition in controlled bursts. The pulse duration is optimized to be long enough to achieve sufficient composition release but short enough to prevent unwanted tissue activation. The periodic nature allows for controlled diffusion intervals between pulses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts voltage pulse parameters including duration, amplitude, and frequency to optimize the balance between composition release quantity and prevention of tissue activation. The system adapts pulse characteristics based on the specific composition and target tissue requirements.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If continuous current flows through the electrode, then composition release is maintained, but control precision over timing and quantity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic voltage pulses with defined on/off cycles to achieve both continuous composition release over time and precise control of release timing and quantity. The pulse frequency and duty cycle are optimized to maintain sustained release while allowing precise control through parameter adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor and adjust voltage pulse parameters in real-time, ensuring precise control over composition release timing and quantity while maintaining continuous release. The system responds to measured composition levels or electrical parameters to optimize pulse delivery.
3Device complexity
If short-circuit phases are used between pulses, then system simplicity is maintained, but uncontrolled composition release occurs during non-release periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the short-circuit phase from the pulse sequence, eliminating the period of uncontrolled composition release. The system transitions directly from one voltage pulse to the next with controlled intervals, extracting the harmful short-circuit component while maintaining system functionality through optimized pulse timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses carefully designed periodic voltage pulses with controlled intervals to maintain system simplicity without requiring short-circuit phases. The pulse timing and frequency are optimized to prevent uncontrolled release while keeping the overall system structure simple and manageable.
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 solution provides precise control over the timing and quantity of composition release, preventing unwanted tissue activation and ensuring efficient diffusion of the drug to the target area, thereby improving the efficacy of drug delivery.
Implementation Method 1
the electroactive conjugated polymer is in an oxidized state when containing the composition, whereas it passes in a reduced state (by the application of a negative voltage to the electrode covered by the electroactive conjugated polymer) when the composition has been released
Implementation Method 2
the composition cannot efficiently diffuse towards a zone to be treated
Data Source
AI summary
According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a device (10) for electrochemically releasing a composition and comprising: one working electrode (30) comprising an electroactive conjugated polymer (40) containing or doped with said composition, a counter electrode (50), and a reference electrode (60). The device (10) is characterized in that it comprises electrical means (95, 100; 320; 165, 180) connected to the working electrode (30) and to the counter electrode (50) for obtaining at said working electrode (30) at least one composition releasing sequence (65) with respect to said reference electrode (60), each composition releasing sequence (65) comprising: a first voltametric pulse (70), followed by a rest period (80) during which no current is able to flow through said working electrode (30), followed by a second voltametric pulse (90), followed by an intermediate period (160) during which no current is able to flow through said working electrode (30).