Implantable Inflatable Device Fluidics Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable fluid-operated devices require complex valve systems and multiple components for fluid control, making them invasive to implant and difficult to operate, particularly for applications like penile prostheses where simplified insertion and operation are needed.
Innovation Solution
An implantable fluid-operated inflatable device with a housing containing a fluid reservoir, an inflatable member, and a fluid flow control system that includes a malleable bulb and a valve actuation device, allowing for fluid flow control between the reservoir and the inflatable member through a series of valves and passageways, enabling inflation and deflation with user manipulation of the bulb and actuation device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex valve systems and multiple components are used for fluid control, then fluid flow control precision is improved, but device complexity and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve systems and fluid control components into a single integrated implantable device. The housing contains the fluid reservoir, inflatable member, and fluidics components in one unit, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining fluid flow control precision through integrated valve mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The single implantable device performs multiple functions: it stores fluid in the reservoir, controls fluid flow through integrated valves, inflates the member, and allows deflation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate pump and valve systems while maintaining precise fluid control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for pump and valve systems, then fluid control functionality is improved, but ease of insertion and operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pump and valve systems into a single implantable device with a unified housing. The fluid reservoir, inflatable member, and fluidics components are combined in one unit, simplifying the insertion procedure while maintaining full fluid control functionality through integrated control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for pump and valve systems, then fluid control functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pump and valve systems into a single implantable device with a unified housing. The fluid reservoir, inflatable member, and fluidics components are combined in one unit, simplifying the insertion procedure while maintaining full fluid control functionality through integrated control mechanisms.
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 simplifies the implantation and operation of the device by integrating all components into a single unit, reducing invasiveness and complexity, allowing for efficient inflation and deflation of the inflatable member through intuitive user input, thereby improving user experience and reducing the complexity of the implantation process.
Implementation Method 1
When a user compresses the bulb, this causes a first valve to close and prevents fluid in the bulb from flowing into the supply tube, and causes a second valve to open so that fluid held in the bulb flows from the bulb to the inflatable member
Implementation Method 2
a third valve positioned in the fluid passageway connecting the inflatable member and the fluid reservoir... the third valve opens to allow fluid to flow from the inflatable member to the fluid reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable fluid operated inflatable device may include a fluid reservoir configured to hold fluid, an inflatable member, and fluidics architecture that provides for transfer of fluid between the fluid reservoir and the inflatable member. The fluid reservoir, the inflatable member, and the fluidics architecture may be included in a single unit, or a single housing, thus providing for a relatively compact implantable fluid operated inflatable device. The relatively simple, compact device provides for simplified insertion into the patient, and for simplified operation by the user.