Implantable Electronic Pump and Valve Assembly for Automated Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable devices, such as penile prostheses and artificial urinary sphincters, require manual manipulation which can be challenging for patients due to difficulties in identifying pump components, learning to use them, and exerting force, especially for those with diabetic neuropathy or poor dexterity, leading to discomfort and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
An implantable device with an electronically powered pump and fluid circuit that includes valves to control fluid flow, featuring pressure sensors and electronic control modules for automated inflation, deflation, and pressure management, eliminating the need for manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pump operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in identifying components and exerting force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pump operation with an electronically powered pump system. The electronic pump is controlled by a control module that responds to user input through a transducer, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of mechanical pump components. This substitution directly addresses the ease of operation by removing the physical dexterity requirements while managing device complexity through integrated electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic pump system performs the fluid transfer function automatically in response to user input, without requiring the user to manually operate the pump mechanism. The system self-regulates the pumping action, timing, and duration based on control module programming, thereby improving ease of operation for users with dexterity limitations.
2Ease of operation
If electronic pump system is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the electronic pump, control module, power source, and transducer into a unified implantable pump system. By merging these components into a single integrated unit, the patent manages device complexity through consolidation rather than adding separate external components. This integrated approach allows electronic functionality to improve ease of operation while containing the complexity increase within the implantable device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module serves multiple functions: it processes input from the transducer, controls the electronic pump operation, monitors fluid transfer, and manages power distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive electronic control capabilities that improve ease of operation.
3Productivity
If automated fluid transfer is implemented, then productivity is improved, but use of energy increases due to electronic pump operation
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic pump operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously, activating only when fluid transfer is needed in response to user input through the transducer. The control module manages pump activation and deactivation cycles, allowing the implantable device to conserve energy during non-operational periods while maintaining productivity when required. This periodic operation directly addresses the energy consumption concern while preserving the automated fluid transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module adjusts operational parameters such as pump activation duration, pumping rate, and frequency based on the specific fluid transfer requirements. By dynamically changing these parameters, the system optimizes the balance between productivity (fluid transfer efficiency) and energy consumption, using higher power settings only when necessary and lower settings during routine operations.
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
Provides seamless and intuitive control of fluid transfer within the implant, enhancing user experience and reducing physical effort, while offering nuanced pressure and volume control.
Implementation Method 1
pump assembly configured to transfer the fluid from the fluid reservoir to the inflatable member in response to the implantable device being in an inflation mode, and the pump assembly configured to transfer the fluid from the inflatable member to the fluid reservoir in response to the implantable device being in a deflation mode
Data Source
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AI summary
An implantable device (100) includes a fluid reservoir (102) configured to be implanted in a body of a patient at a first location, an inflatable member (104) configured to be implanted in the body of the patient at a second location, and a pump assembly (106) configured to be implanted in the body of the patient at a third location. The pump assembly is configured to transfer fluid from the fluid reservoir to the inflatable member in response to the implantable device being in an inflation mode, and the pump assembly is configured to transfer the fluid from the inflatable member to the fluid reservoir in response to the implantable device being in a deflation mode. The pump assembly includes an electronic control module (113), an electronically powered pump (108), a first valve (112), and a second valve (114). The electronic control module is configured to activate or deactivate the electronically powered pump. In some examples, the implantable device is an inflatable penile prosthesis. In some other examples, it is an artificial urinary sphincter device.