Implantable Inflatable Pump-Valve Control for Pressure Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable fluid-operated devices face challenges in accurately controlling fluid pressure and flow, especially in response to external conditions like atmospheric pressure changes, which can affect the proper operation and safety of the devices.
Innovation Solution
An implantable fluid-operated inflatable device with a fluid control system that includes a housing with a combined pump and valve device, a piezoelectric element, and an electronic control system to monitor pressure and adjust valve operation based on sensed conditions, ensuring precise control of fluid transfer between a reservoir and an inflatable member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional fluid control systems are used in implantable devices, then the device structure is simpler, but the control precision of fluid pressure and flow deteriorates under varying atmospheric conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pump and valve into a single integrated device with a unified housing, diaphragm, and piezoelectric element assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining precise control capabilities through the integrated design where the piezoelectric element directly actuates the diaphragm to control fluid flow and pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical valve actuation mechanisms with a piezoelectric element that uses electrostatic actuation. The piezoelectric element converts electrical signals directly into mechanical displacement of the diaphragm, eliminating complex mechanical linkages and providing more precise, controllable fluid pressure and flow regulation in response to atmospheric condition changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed valve operation is used, then the device operation is simpler, but the adaptability to external conditions like atmospheric pressure changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pressure sensing devices that continuously monitor fluid pressure and atmospheric conditions, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback enables the control system to adjust the piezoelectric element actuation in real-time, maintaining optimal fluid pressure and flow control despite variations in atmospheric pressure or other external conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamically controllable valve system where the piezoelectric element can be actuated with varying voltages to adjust the valve opening degree continuously. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to changing atmospheric conditions by modifying fluid flow and pressure in real-time, rather than relying on fixed mechanical valve positions.
3Volume of moving object
If separate pump and valve devices are used, then the device modularity is better, but the overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pump and valve functions into a single compact device with a shared housing, diaphragm, and actuation mechanism. This merging significantly reduces the overall volume of the fluid control system compared to separate pump and valve devices, making it suitable for implantable applications where space is constrained.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions within a single unit: the piezoelectric element serves as both the pump actuator and valve controller, the diaphragm functions as both the pump sealing element and valve closure component, and the housing contains both pump and valve chambers. This multi-functionality reduces the number of parts while maintaining the necessary control capabilities.
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
This solution enables improved control and safety of implantable devices by maintaining set conditions despite changes in atmospheric pressure, enhancing patient comfort and safety by ensuring proper fluid pressure and flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element mounted on the diaphragm
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable fluid operated device may include a fluid reservoir configured to hold fluid, an inflatable member, and a pump assembly configured to transfer fluid between the fluid reservoir and the inflatable member. The pump assembly may include one or more fluid pumps and one or more valves. The one or more valves may be normally open valves, normally closed valves, or a combination thereof. One or more sensing devices may be positioned within fluid passageways of the fluid operated device. The electronic control system may control operation of the pump assembly based on fluid pressure measurements and/or fluid flow measurements received from the one or more sensing devices. Variable voltage can be applied to the control of the pump and/or the valves based on varying atmospheric conditions and the fluid pressure and/or flow measurements processed by the electronic control system.