Multi-Opening Reservoir Caps with Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reservoir devices with self-supporting caps face limitations in increasing the opening area and withstanding application stresses, which restricts the controlled release or exposure of contents, especially for larger sensors or increased mass transport of molecules.
Innovation Solution
The development of reservoir-based devices with multiple openings and a support structure, where reservoir caps can be selectively disintegrated or permeabilized using electrothermal ablation or other methods, allowing for controlled release or exposure of contents, and featuring a substrate with a reservoir cap support made from a distinct material for enhanced structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the reservoir opening area is increased to expose larger sensor area and increase mass transport rate, then the sensor area and mass transport rate are improved, but the reservoir cap cannot self-support without additional structural support
Solution Approach 1:
A reservoir cap support structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the substrate and the reservoir cap. This support structure provides the necessary mechanical strength to enable larger reservoir opening areas while the reservoir cap itself maintains its sealing and release functions. The support structure acts as a mediator that resolves the contradiction between large opening area and cap self-support capability.
2Productivity
If the reservoir cap area is increased to allow larger openings, then the mass transport rate is improved, but the reservoir cap becomes more susceptible to tearing or fracturing under application stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir cap assembly is designed as a composite structure combining the reservoir cap material with a support structure material. This composite construction provides both the large surface area needed for high mass transport rates and the mechanical strength to withstand application stresses without tearing or fracturing. The support structure reinforces the cap while maintaining its functional integrity.
3Productivity
If a single large reservoir opening is created, then the mass transport rate is improved, but the structural integrity and controlled release capability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir cap support structure is divided into multiple discrete support regions that correspond to multiple reservoir openings. This segmentation allows each support region to independently reinforce its corresponding cap section, maintaining structural integrity while enabling multiple controlled openings. The segmented approach preserves the controlled release capability while achieving high mass transport rates through multiple openings.
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
This solution enables larger effective openings for increased mass transport and improved structural integrity, allowing for more efficient controlled release or exposure of reservoir contents, such as drugs or sensors, while maintaining self-supporting capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the device includes means for disintegrating or permeabilizing the reservoir cap, for example by electrochemical oxidation or electrothermal ablation
Data Source
AI summary
Reservoir-based devices are provided in which an individual reservoir has at least two openings with a support structure therebetween and closed by reservoir caps covering the openings to control release or exposure of reservoir contents. In one embodiment, the device is an implantable medical device and provides for the controlled release of drug or exposure of a sensor. The device includes a substrate; at least one reservoir disposed in the substrate, the reservoir having two or more openings; reservoir contents located in the reservoir; two or more discrete reservoir caps, each reservoir cap sealingly covering at least one of the reservoir openings; and control means for selectively disintegrating or permeabilizing the reservoir caps.