IOP Control Valve Position Sensor for Glaucoma Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IOP control systems for glaucoma treatment lack efficient mechanisms to monitor and regulate the open and closed conditions of drainage devices, leading to inconsistent fluid flow and potential degradation over time, which can result in inadequate pressure management and irreversible vision loss.
Innovation Solution
An IOP control device with a housing, a flexible membrane, and a position sensor system that detects the membrane's position relative to a valve seat, allowing for precise control of fluid flow by deflecting in response to pressure differentials, thereby regulating drainage rates and preventing over-pressurization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a drainage device is used to control fluid flow in IOP management, then fluid drainage capability is improved, but monitoring of open and closed conditions becomes insufficient leading to inconsistent fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by positioning a sensor to detect the state of the drainage device (open/closed conditions) and using this information to monitor and regulate fluid flow. This closed-loop feedback system ensures consistent fluid flow by providing real-time information about device status, allowing for adjustments to maintain optimal drainage capability.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring is implemented to ensure consistent fluid flow, then reliability of pressure management is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic monitoring rather than continuous monitoring by detecting the state of the drainage device at intervals. The sensor system is configured to monitor changes in device state and trigger measurements when transitions occur (open to closed or closed to open), rather than continuously measuring. This periodic action maintains reliable pressure management while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
3Device complexity
If the drainage device operates without precise position detection, then device complexity is reduced, but membrane damage may occur due to lack of control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical position detection mechanisms with a sensor-based detection system. Instead of using mechanical switches, linkages, or complex mechanical feedback systems, the invention uses a sensor (such as a pressure sensor, optical sensor, or electrical contactless sensor) to detect the position or state of the drainage device. This substitution maintains membrane durability through precise control while avoiding the complexity of mechanical detection systems.
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 consistent and accurate fluid flow management, minimizing power consumption, extending the device's longevity, and preventing membrane damage by using a closed-loop feedback method to maintain optimal IOP and bleb pressures, thus effectively addressing the limitations of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane is configured to affect flow through the fluid flow passageway from the entrance port to the exit port by deflecting in response to pressure differentials of the flow control chamber pressure and the fluid flow channel pressure acting on the opposing sides of the membrane
Implementation Method 2
The position sensor system includes a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion positioned to selectively contact the first conductive portion to indicate the position of the membrane relative to the fluid flow passageway
Data Source
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AI summary
An IOP control device for implantation in an eye of a patient is disclosed, including a housing with an entrance port and an exit port, a membrane anchored within the housing in a manner forming a flow control chamber on a first side of the membrane and a fluid flow passageway on a second opposing side of the membrane, and a position sensor system. The flow control chamber is arranged to contain a gas creating a flow control chamber pressure, and the membrane is configured to affect flow through the fluid flow passageway from the entrance port to the exit port by deflecting in response to changes in the flow control chamber pressure. The position sensor system includes a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion positioned to selectively contact the first conductive portion to indicate the position of the membrane relative to the fluid flow passageway.