Implantable Obesity Device Using Mechanical Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing obesity treatment devices are obstructive, require extensive surgery, cause discomfort, and lack precise positioning and programmability, leading to inefficient and unpredictable outcomes.

Innovation Solution

An implantable device with a mechanical stimulation means, such as piezoelectric elements or balloons, that applies a repetitive mechanical constraint to the gastrointestinal wall, inducing satiety through neurohumoral response, and includes an energy source, control module, and communication module for programmable and remote operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If passive restriction means are used to limit nutrient circulation, then weight loss is achieved, but the device becomes an obstacle to free food circulation and adversely affects stomach functioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight loss effectivenessVSAvoidobstruction to food circulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanical vibration through a vibrating element that contacts the gastrointestinal wall to stimulate satiety receptors. This vibratory stimulation achieves weight loss effectiveness without physically obstructing food circulation, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and harmful obstruction effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces passive mechanical restriction means with an active mechanical stimulation system. Instead of using physical barriers to limit nutrient circulation, the invention uses controlled mechanical vibration to stimulate neurohumoral responses, eliminating obstruction while maintaining weight loss effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If swallowable devices are used to stimulate receptors, then treatment is achieved, but the devices cannot be positioned accurately and may be located at the wrong place

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an anchoring means as an intermediary mechanism that secures the device to the gastrointestinal wall at a predetermined location. This anchoring system acts as a mediator between the device and the treatment target, ensuring accurate positioning and preventing migration to incorrect locations while maintaining treatment effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If extensive surgery is performed to implant devices, then device implantation is achieved, but the procedure becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice implantation successVSAvoidsurgical procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the implantation procedure into simplified steps using a device design that can be implanted through minimally invasive techniques. The device is divided into functional modules (vibrating element, anchoring means, control unit) that can be separately positioned and secured, reducing surgical complexity while ensuring reliable implantation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic anchoring means that can be adjusted and secured after implantation. The anchoring system allows for post-implantation positioning adjustments, enabling reliable device fixation without requiring complex pre-planned surgical procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If no active control is provided in passive implants, then device structure is simple, but no programmability or adaptability is possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structure simplicityVSAvoidprogrammability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single device structure: the control unit can adjust vibration parameters, the anchoring means can be positioned and secured, and the device can be programmed for different treatment protocols. This multi-functionality provides adaptability and programmability while maintaining relatively simple device structure through functional integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 device provides a non-obstructive, efficient, and long-lasting obesity treatment that is well-tolerated, easily implantable, and adaptable, offering precise positioning and programmability, effectively creating a feeling of satiety without discomfort.

Implementation Method 1

The mechanical stimulation means may comprise: at least one piezoelectric element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10376399B2Implantable device to treat obesity

Publication Date: 2019.08.13 INST HOSPITALO UNIV DE CHIRURGIE MINI INVASIVE GUIDEE PAR LIMAGE

AI summary

An implantable device to treat obesity and a method of using the same, the device (31) is able to create a repetitive mechanical constraint on a gastrointestinal organ wall and includes: an energy source (36), and a mechanical stimulation element (35).