Membrane-Free Electrolysis Pump for Intraocular Implant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic pump systems for ophthalmic treatments face challenges in effectively draining fluid from the eye to alleviate elevated intraocular pressure, particularly when drainage sites become obstructed or pressurized, leading to potential harm from reduced or ceased aqueous humor drainage.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic pump system with a chamber and channel structure, utilizing a semi-permeable wall and electrolysis to displace fluid, includes check valves and a gas-producing mechanism to facilitate fluid drainage from the anterior chamber of the eye, even under conditions of resistance or obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional microfluidic pump system is used to drain aqueous humor, then fluid drainage is achieved under normal conditions, but drainage becomes ineffective when the drainage site becomes obstructed or pressurized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical pump mechanisms with an electrolysis-based system. Electrodes generate gas bubbles through electrolysis of aqueous humor, and these bubbles mechanically displace fluid through the drainage site. This substitution allows the system to generate sufficient pressure to overcome obstructions and high resistance that would defeat traditional passive or mechanically-driven microfluidic pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition from liquid to gas through electrolysis. Water molecules in the aqueous humor are split into hydrogen and oxygen gases, forming bubbles that expand and contract. This phase change creates the mechanical force needed to push fluid through obstructed drainage sites, providing adaptability to high-resistance conditions while maintaining reliable drainage function.
2Productivity
If a membrane-free electrolysis pump is used to overcome obstruction, then drainage effectiveness improves under high resistance, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components. The electrodes serve both as electrical conductors for electrolysis and as generators of gas bubbles for fluid displacement. The chamber housing integrates the electrolysis reaction space with the fluid displacement mechanism, eliminating the need for separate membranes or complex valve systems while maintaining high drainage effectiveness under obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolysis system is self-regulating based on fluid flow conditions. When drainage resistance increases, the electrolysis reaction automatically generates more gas bubbles to maintain flow. The system uses the electrical energy input to dynamically adjust its pumping capability without external control mechanisms, reducing device complexity while preserving productivity under varying obstruction conditions.
3Force
If gas is produced within the chamber to displace fluid, then fluid displacement capability is enhanced, but gas may escape through channels causing loss of function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous membrane as the chamber ceiling. This membrane allows liquid aqueous humor to pass through via osmosis and diffusion while blocking gas bubbles from escaping. The porous structure provides selective permeability that maintains gas containment reliability while preserving the fluid displacement force generated by electrolysis, resolving the contradiction between force generation and gas containment.
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 system enables controlled and effective drainage of aqueous humor, maintaining desired intraocular pressure and alleviating elevated pressure, thus providing more reliable treatment for conditions like glaucoma.
Implementation Method 1
A microfluidic pump system with a chamber and channel structure, utilizing a semi-permeable wall and electrolysis to displace fluid
Implementation Method 2
A microfluidic pump system with a chamber and channel structure, utilizing a semi-permeable wall and electrolysis to displace fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A microfluidic pump for implantation proximate an eye of a patient is provided herein. The pump includes a first substrate portion and a second substrate portion adjacent the first and a chamber that has a bottom surface and a top surface provided by the first and second substrate portions. A gas is produced within the chamber so that it displaces fluid from the chamber. The pump also includes an inlet channel and an outlet channel coupled to the chamber, the inlet channel being separated from the chamber by a first gap and the outlet channel separated from the chamber by a second gap. The gaps inhibit the gas from moving out of the chamber. Other microfluidic pumps and intraocular devices are also disclosed.