Electronic Pump Assembly for Implantable Device Pressure Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable devices with inflatable members require frequent surgical adjustments to manage pressure, as existing systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust pressure levels in response to patient needs or postural changes.
Innovation Solution
An implantable device equipped with an electronic pump assembly, including a pump, active valve, pressure sensors, and a controller, which allows for wireless control and automatic adjustment of pressure in the inflatable member based on target pressures and patient posture, enabling precise regulation of fluid transfer between a pressurized reservoir and the inflatable member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical revision is used to adjust pressure in the inflatable member, then pressure adjustment is achieved, but the patient requires repeated surgeries and recovery time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical surgical adjustment system with an electronic control system. The implantable device includes a pump, valve, and pressure sensor that work together with a controller to automatically adjust pressure in the inflatable member, eliminating the need for surgical revisions. The controller receives pressure feedback from the sensor and actuates the pump or valve accordingly to maintain desired pressure levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable device performs self-adjustment of pressure through its integrated electronic system. The pressure sensor continuously monitors the pressure in the inflatable member, and the controller automatically activates the pump to inflate or the valve to deflate based on real-time pressure readings, enabling the system to self-regulate without external surgical intervention.
2Device complexity
If fixed pressure is maintained in the inflatable member, then device simplicity is preserved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to inability to respond to postural changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic pressure control system that continuously adjusts pressure based on real-time conditions. The pressure sensor provides continuous feedback to the controller, which dynamically actuates the pump or valve to maintain optimal pressure levels that adapt to patient movement and postural changes, transforming the system from static to dynamic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a closed-loop feedback mechanism where the pressure sensor continuously monitors pressure in the inflatable member and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller processes this feedback and adjusts the pump or valve actuation accordingly, creating a self-regulating system that automatically responds to pressure deviations caused by patient activity or postural changes.
3Ease of operation
If manual pump bulb is used for inflation, then device simplicity is maintained, but precision and automation are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pump bulb with an electronically controlled pump system. The implantable pump is actuated by the controller based on pressure sensor feedback, providing precise and automated pressure regulation. This electronic system offers superior measurement precision and control accuracy compared to manual operation, while maintaining ease of use through automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-inflation and self-deflation operations through its integrated electronic control system. The controller automatically activates the pump to inflate the inflatable member or the valve to deflate it, based on real-time pressure readings from the sensor, eliminating the need for manual patient operation while providing precise pressure 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 solution allows for real-time adjustment of pressure within the inflatable member, reducing the need for surgical revisions and enhancing patient comfort by dynamically responding to changes in activity and posture, thereby minimizing incontinence and maintaining optimal device performance.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor configured to monitor a pressure of the inflatable member
Implementation Method 2
a pump, an active valve... configured to cause the pump to transfer the fluid between the pressurized reservoir and the inflatable member
Implementation Method 3
an active valve... configured to cause the active valve to be in an open position during at least a portion of an inflation cycle to allow the fluid to be transferred
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, an implantable device includes a pressurize fluid reservoir configured to hold fluid, an inflatable member; and an electronic pump assembly. The electronic pump assembly includes a pump, an active valve, a pressure sensor configured to monitor a pressure of the inflatable member, and a controller configured to cause the active valve to be in an open position during at least a portion of an inflation cycle to allow the fluid to be transferred from the pressurized fluid reservoir to the inflatable member. The controller is configured to transition the active valve to a closed position in response to the pressure of the inflatable member achieving a target pressure.