Microfluidic Pump Filtration for Consistent Implant Fluid Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable fluid-operated devices face challenges with inconsistent fluid flow control due to manual operation, leading to discomfort and inefficiencies, and electronic systems are prone to contamination by foreign matter affecting performance and longevity.
Innovation Solution
An implantable fluid-operated device with a base plate, deformable diaphragm, fluid chamber, and piezoelectric element, incorporating a fluid filter to control fluid flow and prevent particulate entry, using a metal foil with patterned openings to block larger particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual operation of the pumping device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but fluid flow control consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with a piezoelectric actuation system. The piezoelectric element converts electrical signals into mechanical motion to drive the diaphragm, providing precise and consistent fluid flow control without requiring manual pumping actions from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The pumping device is designed to be self-actuating through piezoelectric elements that automatically pump fluid based on electrical control signals. The system serves itself by using the piezoelectric effect to generate the necessary mechanical motion for fluid transfer without continuous manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If electronic control system with narrow fluid passageways is used, then fluid flow control precision is improved, but susceptibility to foreign matter contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates filters in the fluid passageways before the fluid reaches the piezoelectric pump and valve components. These filters preemptively remove foreign matter and particulates from the fluid, preventing contamination of the narrow passageways and sensitive electronic components before they can cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter acts as an intermediary component between the fluid source and the sensitive pump/valve system. It mediates the fluid flow by removing harmful particles while allowing the fluid to continue flowing through the narrow passageways to the electronic components, thus protecting them from direct contact with contaminants.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If filter is added to the fluid passageway, then protection against foreign matter is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the filter directly into the existing fluid passageway structure, merging the filtration function with the existing pump and valve assembly. The filter is positioned within the fluid flow path without requiring a separate, independent filtration system, thereby minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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
Enhances consistent fluid flow control, improves patient comfort and device performance by preventing contamination, ensuring reliable operation and extending the device's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
The piezoelectric element is attached to the deformable diaphragm, and the piezoelectric element is operable to repeatedly change a volume of the fluid chamber by deforming the deformable diaphragm to pump fluid from the fluid reservoir to the inflatable member
Implementation Method 2
The fluid filter can include a metal foil having a pattern of openings configured to permit fluid to flow through the openings and configured to block particulates having a characteristic size larger than a threshold size from flowing through the openings
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable fluid-operated device controls fluid flow between a fluid reservoir and an inflatable member. The device includes a base plate; a deformable diaphragm; a fluid chamber between the base plate and the deformable diaphragm; a fluid filter; and a piezoelectric element. The base plate defines fluid passageways for routing fluid between the fluid chamber and the fluid reservoir and the inflatable member. The fluid filter is disposed within or at an end of a fluid passageway. The piezoelectric element is attached to the deformable diaphragm, and the piezoelectric element is operable to repeatedly change a volume of the fluid chamber by deforming the deformable diaphragm to pump fluid from the fluid reservoir to the inflatable member.