Implantable Pressure Monitoring With Piezoelectric Pump Deflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable fluid-operated devices with electronically-operated pumps and valves face challenges in achieving consistent inflation, deflation, pressurization, and deactivation due to manual operation, leading to patient discomfort and safety risks from misuse or unintended use.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a piezoelectric pump and valve system with a pressure sensor and processor to monitor fluid pressure and voltage spikes, allowing for automatic adjustment of fluid flow to maintain device safety and efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manually operated pumps are used for fluid transfer, then device complexity is reduced, but operational consistency and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pump operation with an electronically-controlled pump system. The pump includes a pump chamber with a movable wall actuated by an electromagnetic actuator, replacing the need for manual compression. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with an electromagnetic system resolves the contradiction by providing consistent, reliable fluid transfer while maintaining acceptable device complexity through integration of control electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system incorporates pressure sensors that automatically detect fluid pressure conditions and trigger pump activation without manual intervention. The system self-regulates fluid transfer based on detected pressure differentials, eliminating the need for user judgment and manual operation. This self-service capability ensures operational consistency while reducing the complexity of manual control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If electronically-operated pumps and valves are used, then operational precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is designed to perform multiple functions: it can pump fluid from the reservoir to the inflatable member, from the inflatable member to the collection device, and can also serve as a mixing chamber by introducing a second fluid through a port. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining operational precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump chamber serves as both a pumping mechanism and a mixing chamber, combining functions that could otherwise require separate components. The movable wall of the pump chamber creates pressure differentials for fluid transfer while also enabling mixing when multiple fluids are introduced. This merging of functions reduces overall device complexity while preserving precise electronic control and reliable operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If pressure monitoring and automatic control systems are implemented, then patient safety and comfort improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pressure sensors that continuously monitor fluid pressure in the inflatable member and provide feedback to the control system. When pressure exceeds predetermined thresholds, the system automatically activates the pump to release excess fluid. This feedback mechanism enhances patient safety by preventing over-inflation and associated discomfort or injury, while the automated nature of the response minimizes the complexity of additional control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes predetermined pressure thresholds and automatic response protocols in advance. When pressure reaches these pre-set limits, the pump is automatically triggered to maintain pressure within safe ranges. This preliminary configuration of safety parameters and automatic responses ensures patient safety without requiring complex real-time decision-making circuitry, thereby managing device complexity.
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 system ensures precise control of fluid flow, enhancing patient comfort and safety by preventing damage from misuse and maintaining consistent device operation.
Implementation Method 1
The piezoelectric pump is fluidically connected between the fluid reservoir and the inflatable member and configured to pump fluid from the inflatable member to the fluid reservoir
Implementation Method 2
based on a fluid pressure detected within the inflatable member
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable device includes a battery, a fluid reservoir, an inflatable member, a piezoelectric pump, driver circuitry, and a processor. The battery is configured to store electrical energy. The inflatable member is configured to receive fluid to place the inflatable member in an inflated configuration. The piezoelectric pump is configured to pump fluid from the inflatable member to the fluid reservoir. The driver circuitry is configured to provide a waveform of electrical energy to drive the piezoelectric pump to pump fluid from the inflatable member to the fluid reservoir. The processor is configured to, based on a fluid pressure detected within the inflatable member, cause the driver circuitry to provide a waveform of electrical energy from the battery to the piezoelectric pump to cause the piezoelectric pump to pump fluid from the inflatable member to the fluid reservoir.