Multi-compartment Flow Control Chamber for Membrane Valve Gas Separation

Solution Overview

Problem

Electrolysis-based membrane devices for intraocular pressure control face challenges due to gas diffusion through the membrane, leading to an imbalance and requiring continuous energy to maintain membrane deflection and fluid flow, which affects the longevity and reliability of the devices.

Innovation Solution

A multi-compartment flow control chamber design that separates gases from the membrane, allowing controlled recombination and reducing gas escape, thereby enhancing the longevity and reliability of the device by maintaining a balanced gas molecular ratio and reducing energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a membrane device uses electrolysis to generate gas for membrane deflection, then the device can control fluid flow, but gas diffuses through the membrane causing imbalance and requiring continuous energy input

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow controlVSAvoidcontinuous energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The flow control chamber is divided into multiple compartments that separate gas generation zones from membrane contact zones. This segmentation prevents gas from reaching the membrane, eliminating diffusion-related energy waste while maintaining electrolysis-based flow control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary liquid medium that transmits pressure from the electrolysis-generated gas to the membrane without allowing direct gas-membrane contact. This intermediary prevents gas diffusion through the membrane, eliminating the need for continuous energy input to compensate for gas loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If gas is generated through electrolysis in a single-chamber system, then membrane deflection is achieved, but gas escape through the membrane requires continuous energy to maintain balance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane deflection capabilityVSAvoiddevice longevity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flow control chamber is divided into multiple compartments that separate gas generation zones from membrane contact zones. This segmentation prevents gas from reaching the membrane, eliminating diffusion-related energy waste while maintaining electrolysis-based flow control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the harmful element (gas) from the system by preventing its contact with the membrane through multi-compartment design. Gas is generated in sealed compartments where it cannot escape, eliminating the reliability issue caused by continuous gas loss and membrane imbalance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Speed

If a membrane valve allows gas contact with the membrane for actuation, then rapid valve response is achieved, but gas diffusion causes molecular ratio imbalance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve actuation speedVSAvoidgas molecular ratio balance

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The flow control chamber is divided into multiple compartments that separate gas generation zones from membrane contact zones. This segmentation prevents gas from reaching the membrane, eliminating diffusion-related energy waste while maintaining electrolysis-based flow control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary liquid medium that transmits pressure from the electrolysis-generated gas to the membrane without allowing direct gas-membrane contact. This intermediary prevents gas diffusion through the membrane, eliminating the need for continuous energy input to compensate for gas loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 multi-compartment flow control chamber design improves the longevity and reliability of the device by reducing gas diffusion and energy requirements, enabling efficient and rapid valve actuation for intraocular pressure control.

Implementation Method 1

The membrane is configured to affect flow through the fluid flow passageway by deflecting in response to pressure in the flow control chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

an electrolysis system configured to affect the pressure in the flow control chamber by generating bubbles by converting at least a portion of the actuator liquid to a gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS9333115B2Separation of gas and liquid in membrane valves

Publication Date: 2016.05.10 ALCON INC

AI summary

A drainage device for implantation in an eye of a patient to treat an ocular condition is disclosed. The drainage device includes a housing, a multi-compartment flow control chamber, and a membrane. The housing includes an entrance port and an exit port connected by a fluid flow passageway. The membrane is disposed between the fluid flow passageway and the multi-compartment flow control chamber, which includes a first compartment and a second compartment in fluid communication with each other. The first and second compartments are structurally arranged to limit contact of gas with the membrane, which is disposed between the fluid flow passageway and first compartment. The membrane is configured to affect flow through the fluid flow passageway by deflecting in response to pressure in the flow control chamber.