MEMS Check Valve Perforation Alignment for Glaucoma Implants

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional glaucoma drainage devices for treating elevated intraocular pressure are large and unwieldy, causing discomfort and challenging implantation, and lack effective flow regulation.

Innovation Solution

A MEMS check valve system with a supporting and displaceable portion, allowing fluid flow regulation by aligning or misaligning perforations to control flow through the valve, integrated into a chip for reduced size and improved comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional drainage devices are used to treat glaucoma, then fluid drainage function is provided, but the device size is large causing discomfort and implantation difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidflow regulation effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The drainage device is segmented into multiple functional components: a body portion with first perforations, a displaceable portion with second perforations, and fluid restrictions. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions while collectively achieving flow regulation in a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from conventional two-dimensional valve designs to a three-dimensional microelectromechanical structure with displaceable portions that can move between positions. This dimensional approach enables complex flow regulation functionality within a minimal volume, reducing device size while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If drainage devices with flow regulation are implemented, then flow control is achieved, but the device becomes large and unwieldy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow regulation capabilityVSAvoiddevice length

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated structure: the body portion, displaceable portion, perforations, and fluid restrictions work together as one compact unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate flow regulation mechanisms, achieving flow control without increasing device length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The displaceable portion acts as a flexible element that can move between closed and open positions to regulate flow. This thin-film approach provides flow regulation capability while minimizing the space required, avoiding the need for bulky mechanical valves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If larger implants are used for flow regulation, then flow control is achieved, but implantation becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow control functionVSAvoidimplantation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces complex mechanical flow control systems with a microelectromechanical structure that uses pressure-driven displacement of the displaceable portion. This substitution simplifies the implantation process while maintaining effective flow control, as the device relies on natural pressure differentials rather than complex mechanical actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If conventional valve structures are used, then flow inhibition is achieved, but the device lacks integration and requires multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow inhibitionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated valve structure performs multiple functions within a single device: flow inhibition through the displaceable portion, flow regulation through pressure-dependent displacement, and structural support through the body portion. This multi-functionality achieves reliable flow inhibition without requiring multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 MEMS check valve system enables smaller, more comfortable implants with easier implantation and reduced manufacturing costs by integrating flow regulation on a single chip, effectively managing intraocular pressure.

Implementation Method 1

a displaceable portion having a second perforation therethrough sized to permit fluid flow. The displaceable portion may be moveable relative to the supporting portion between a closed position inhibiting fluid flow through the valve and an open position permitting fluid flow through the valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS9528633B2MEMS check valve

Publication Date: 2016.12.27 ALCON INC

AI summary

A MEMS check valve includes a supporting portion having a first perforation therethrough sized to permit fluid flow and includes a displaceable portion having a second perforation therethrough sized to permit fluid flow. The displaceable portion may be moveable relative to the supporting portion between a closed position inhibiting fluid flow through the valve and an open position permitting fluid flow through the valve. The first and second perforations are offset to inhibit fluid flow when the displaceable portion is in the first position, and fluid may flow through the first and second perforations when the displaceable portion is in the second position.