Implantable Injection Port Septum Compression Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current injection ports for gastric banding systems are complex, costly, and have reduced functional performance, making them less reliable for adjusting gastric bands used in obesity treatment.
Innovation Solution
A simplified injection port design featuring a septum with a needle-entry surface and a housing that secures the septum via a retaining lip, allowing for easy access and self-sealing, reducing the number of components and manufacturing steps while maintaining reliability and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complicated and/or intricate solid compressing geometries are used in injection ports, then sealing functionality may be improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the compression function and sealing function into a single integrated septum component. The septum includes a body portion that is compressed by a compression element to simultaneously achieve sealing against the needle and structural integrity, eliminating the need for separate complex compression geometries while maintaining reliable sealing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The septum is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple functions: it provides sealing against needle penetration, maintains structural integrity under compression, and allows fluid passage when penetrated. This universal design reduces overall device complexity while improving reliability through integrated functionality.
2Reliability
If multiple inter-related components are used in injection ports, then sealing functionality may be improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions previously requiring separate components into integrated structures. The septum integrates the sealing surface, compression response, and fluid passage capabilities. The housing integrates the compression element application and structural support functions, reducing the total component count while maintaining reliable sealing through the integrated septum design.
3Reliability
If intricate compression geometries are used in injection ports, then sealing functionality may be improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines compression and sealing functions into a single septum component that can be manufactured using standard injection molding techniques. This eliminates the need for complex multi-step manufacturing processes required for intricate compression geometries, reducing production costs while maintaining reliable sealing through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The septum is designed with specific geometric parameters including a substantially flat compression surface and controlled thickness dimensions that enable effective sealing through uniform compression. These parameter optimizations allow simple manufacturing processes to achieve reliable sealing functionality, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining performance.
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 new injection port design enhances accessibility, reliability, and cost-effectiveness by simplifying the assembly process and reducing parts, enabling efficient fluid adjustments to gastric bands, thereby supporting effective weight management treatments.
Implementation Method 1
the first inner side wall configured to taper inwards such that an opening defined at a first end is larger than an opening defined at a second end... the first inner side wall, the second inner side wall and the bottom surface defining a cavity having at least two portions, a first portion of the cavity defined by the first inner side wall and for receiving the septum and allowing the first inner side wall to secure the septum by axially exerting compression on the septum
Implementation Method 2
A simplified injection port design featuring a septum with a needle-entry surface and a housing that secures the septum via a retaining lip, allowing for easy access and self-sealing
Data Source
AI summary
Injection ports are disclosed for use with a gastric band for the treatment of obesity. An injection port may include a septum having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side wall connecting the top surface to the bottom surface. The injection port may also include a housing including a first inner side wall being tapered inwards such that an opening defined at a first end is larger than an opening defined at a second end, the tapering of the first inner side wall being used to secure the septum within the housing. The housing may further include a second inner side wall having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second inner side wall joined to the second end of the first inner side wall, and a bottom surface joined to the second end of the second inner side wall.