Implantable Inflatable Device Tubular Member Bubble Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable inflatable devices face the challenge of air or air bubbles entering the fluid reservoir, which can prevent the inflatable member from fully inflating, as existing technologies lack an effective mechanism to retain air or air bubbles within the device, other than the inflatable member.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a tubular member extending between the fluid reservoir and the pump assembly, with one end disposed within the reservoir's cavity, helps retain air or air bubbles within the fluid reservoir by ensuring that fluid drawn from the reservoir does not carry bubbles to the inflatable member, using a configuration where the tubular member's end portion is positioned to contact fluid away from the sidewall, preventing bubble transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air bubbles enter the fluid reservoir, then the inflatable member cannot fully inflate, but adding complex air removal mechanisms increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tubular member as an intermediary component between the fluid reservoir and pump assembly. This tubular member includes a specific configuration with its end disposed within the reservoir cavity, creating a physical barrier that prevents air bubbles from entering the pump and inflatable member while allowing fluid transfer. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by providing a simple yet effective solution that maintains reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If the tubular member end is positioned within the reservoir cavity, then air bubbles are retained in the reservoir, but the structural complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid pathway by introducing a tubular member with its end portion disposed within the reservoir cavity. This segmentation creates distinct zones: one where fluid can be drawn and another where air bubbles are retained. The tubular member acts as a separator that divides the reservoir interior into a fluid access region and a bubble retention region, effectively preventing bubble transfer while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable inflatable device includes a fluid reservoir defining a cavity, an inflatable member, a pump assembly configured to transfer fluid between the fluid reservoir and the inflatable member, and a tubular member extending between the fluid reservoir and the pump assembly, the tubular member having a first end that is disposed within the cavity defined by the fluid reservoir.