Implantable Inflatable Device Needle-Free Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable inflatable devices often require the use of needles for delivery, which can cause undesired punctures or damage to the body, necessitating a needle-free implantation method.
Innovation Solution
An implantable inflatable device with a fluid reservoir, an inflatable member having separate inflation and delivery cavities, and a pump assembly, where the delivery cavity is designed to accommodate a delivery tool for needle-free placement within the body, allowing the inflatable member to be inserted without puncturing the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a needle is used to deliver the inflatable member into the body, then the implantation can be achieved, but undesired punctures or damage to the body occur
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable member is divided into two separate cavities: an inflation cavity for receiving fluid and a delivery cavity for receiving the delivery tool. This segmentation allows the device to be delivered through a non-puncturing method while maintaining the functionality of fluid injection for inflation.
Solution Approach 2:
A delivery tool acts as an intermediary device that interfaces with the delivery cavity of the inflatable member. The delivery tool facilitates implantation without requiring direct puncture of the body, thereby eliminating the harmful effects of needle insertion while enabling safe delivery of the implant.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a needle-free delivery method is used, then body damage is reduced, but the delivery mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery tool is received within the delivery cavity of the inflatable member, creating a nested configuration. This nesting approach allows the delivery mechanism to be integrated into the device structure without requiring separate external puncture instruments, thereby reducing body damage while managing complexity through integrated design.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If separate delivery and inflation cavities are used, then needle-free delivery is enabled, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable member is divided into two separate cavities: an inflation cavity for receiving fluid and a delivery cavity for receiving the delivery tool. This segmentation allows the device to be delivered through a non-puncturing method while maintaining the functionality of fluid injection for inflation.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable member structure serves multiple functions: the delivery cavity receives the delivery tool for implantation, while the inflation cavity receives fluid for expansion. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single integrated device structure, enabling needle-free delivery without requiring entirely separate components.
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
Enables the safe and effective placement of inflatable implants within the body without the need for needles, reducing the risk of damage and improving the implantation process.
Implementation Method 1
a pump assembly configured to transfer fluid between the fluid reservoir and the inflatable member
Implementation Method 2
the inner surface of the delivery cavity has an engagement portion configured to engage a portion of a delivery tool
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable inflatable device includes a fluid reservoir defining a cavity, an inflatable member having an inflation cavity and a delivery cavity, and a pump assembly configured to transfer fluid between the fluid reservoir and the inflatable member.