Electromagnetic Elastomeric Valve for Consistent Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing phacoemulsification fluidics systems face inconsistent fluid flow control due to the decreasing force exerted by solenoid actuation over time and variations with stroke length, which affects the efficiency of cataract surgery.
Innovation Solution
An elastomeric valve actuated by an electromagnet, featuring a flexible rubber-like material with a steel disc that moves in response to a magnetic field, providing consistent and controlled fluid flow by closing or opening the pathway, eliminating the need for a plunger and reducing bulkiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solenoid actuation is used to push the elastomeric material, then the valve can be actuated to stop fluid flow, but the force exerted by the solenoid drops with time and changes with stroke length resulting in inconsistent fluid flow control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the solenoid mechanical actuation system with an electromagnetic actuation system. The electromagnetic system uses a magnetic field generated by an electromagnet to directly attract the elastomeric valve material, eliminating the mechanical plunger-solenoid interaction that caused force inconsistency. This substitution maintains reliable fluid flow control while achieving consistent force application throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the actuation mechanism from mechanical (solenoid) to electromagnetic, fundamentally altering the physical parameters of the actuation system. The electromagnetic system provides consistent magnetic force that does not degrade over time or vary with stroke length, thereby improving fluid flow control consistency while maintaining adequate actuation force.
2Ease of operation
If a plunger attached to a solenoid is used for valve actuation, then the elastomeric material can be pushed to obstruct fluid flow, but the system becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the plunger component from the actuation system. By using electromagnetic attraction directly on the elastomeric valve material, the mechanical plunger is eliminated entirely. This simplification reduces device complexity and bulkiness while maintaining ease of operation for valve actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical plunger-solenoid system with a direct electromagnetic actuation system. The electromagnet generates a magnetic field that directly interacts with the elastomeric valve material containing magnetic particles, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages and reducing overall system complexity and size.
3Measurement precision
If solenoid actuation is used, then the valve can be actuated to control fluid flow, but the force from solenoid changes with stroke length affecting control precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the solenoid mechanical system with an electromagnetic system that provides consistent force regardless of stroke length. The magnetic field generated by the electromagnet maintains constant strength throughout the actuation range, enabling precise fluid flow control without the force variations inherent in mechanical solenoid systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the actuation physics from mechanical to electromagnetic, where the magnetic force remains consistent throughout the stroke range. This parameter change eliminates the stroke-length-dependent force variation, thereby improving measurement precision for fluid flow control.
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 electromagnetic actuation ensures consistent and precise control of fluid flow, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and improving surgical efficiency by maintaining consistent force throughout the procedure.
Implementation Method 1
In response to an electric current being applied to an electromagnet, a magnetic field attracts, in accordance with the preferred embodiment, the steel disc embedded in the elastomeric valve material
Implementation Method 2
The elastomeric valve may be repelled from the housing in response to deactivation of the electromagnet thereby opening the fluid pathway
Data Source
AI summary
Actuation of an elastomeric valve with an electromagnet is disclosed wherein an elastomeric valve material may comprise a steel disc embedded in its wall to control the flow of fluid. In response to an electric current being applied to an electromagnet, a magnetic field attracts a disc embedded in the elastomeric valve material. The elastomeric valve would then move towards the electromagnet to create a seal, thereby blocking the flow of fluid.