Implantable Hydraulic Urethral Constriction With Encapsulated Conduits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing urethra restriction devices are damaging to the urethra due to their design, necessitating a less invasive method for controlling urine flow.

Innovation Solution

A support element with integrated fluid conduits and operable hydraulic constriction elements that are encapsulated, reducing protrusion and potential damage, combined with a surrounding structure that supports and controls the constriction elements, and optionally includes electrical muscle stimulation for improved long-term implantation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional urethra restriction devices are used, then urine flow can be controlled, but the urethra is damaged due to protruding portions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveurine flow controlVSAvoidurethra damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid conduit is nested within the support element structure, with the conduit integrated into the support element's body. This nesting arrangement allows the constriction function to be maintained while the protruding portions are minimized as the conduit is housed within the support element's geometric framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid conduit and support element are merged into a single integrated structure rather than separate components. The conduit is formed as part of the support element's monolithic structure, eliminating the need for separate protruding conduit portions and reducing potential damage points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the fluid conduit is separate from the support element, then fluid flow to constriction element is enabled, but the space occupied and protruding portions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow controlVSAvoidspace occupied by constriction element

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid conduit is merged with the support element structure, forming an integrated monolithic component. This combination eliminates the need for separate conduit structures and reduces the overall volume occupied by the constriction assembly, as the conduit utilizes the internal space of the support element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid conduit is positioned within the internal volume of the support element rather than extending externally. This dimensional reorganization allows the conduit to be housed within the support element's geometric interior, reducing external protrusions and overall occupied space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If the fluid conduit is not integrated in the support element, then assembly is simpler, but the risk of damaging the urethra increases due to protrusions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidurethra damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid conduit and support element are manufactured as a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps. This monolithic construction reduces the number of interfaces and potential damage points, while the integrated design ensures smooth transitions that minimize protruding portions that could damage the urethra.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid conduit is pre-formed as an integral part of the support element during the same manufacturing process rather than being assembled separately. This preliminary integration ensures proper geometric configuration and smooth surfaces are built-in during fabrication, reducing the risk of damage during implantation and operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Reduces the risk of urethra damage by minimizing protrusions and providing a supportive structure for hydraulic constriction, while allowing for controlled urine flow management and enhanced implant longevity through muscle stimulation.

Implementation Method 1

A hydraulic pump for pumping hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic constriction element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

an electrical muscle stimulator configured to stimulate muscle tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS20250331977A1Implantable urethra restriction device

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 FORSELL PETER

AI summary

An implantable constriction device (10) for constricting a urethra (U) of a patient. The implantable constriction device (10) comprises at least one operable hydraulic constriction element (101a) configured to be inflated to constrict the urethra (U) for restricting the flow of urine therethrough, and a controller for controlling the inflation of the at least one operable hydraulic constriction element (101a).