Synchronized Piezo Pump Timing for Implantable Urology Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable fluid-operated devices face challenges with inconsistent inflation, deflation, pressurization, and deactivation due to manual operation or complex electronic systems, affecting patient comfort and device efficacy.
Innovation Solution
An implantable fluid-operated device with synchronized piezoelectric pumps and valves, controlled by a controller to operate at a common frequency with a predetermined phase offset, and monitored by a pressure sensor for precise fluid flow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manually operated pumping device is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but inflation and deflation consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pumping operation with an electronically controlled piezoelectric pump system. The piezoelectric pump uses electrical signals to drive diaphragm motion, eliminating manual operation while providing consistent, repeatable pumping action. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining device simplicity through electronic control while dramatically improving inflation and deflation consistency through precise electronic timing and phase control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements synchronized periodic action between the inflation pump and deflation pump operating at a common frequency with predetermined phase offset. This coordinated periodic operation ensures that one pump is filling while the other is draining, maintaining consistent fluid transfer and pressure control. The periodic synchronization resolves the contradiction by providing reliable, consistent operation through rhythmic coordination rather than manual intervention.
2Manufacturing precision
If electronically operated pumps and valves are used, then fluid flow control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple pumps and valves into a unified electronic control system that coordinates all fluid flow components. By integrating control logic and using common frequency synchronization with phase offset, the system achieves precise fluid flow control while reducing the complexity of managing multiple independent control systems. This merging resolves the contradiction by consolidating control functions to improve precision without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal control approach where the electronic controller performs multiple functions: timing synchronization, phase control, pressure monitoring, and coordination of both pumps and valves. This multi-functional controller reduces the need for separate control circuits for each component, achieving precise fluid flow control while managing device complexity through a centralized, versatile control system.
3Reliability
If synchronized piezoelectric pumps operate at common frequency with phase offset, then fluid transfer consistency is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing the phase offset relationship between the inflation and deflation pumps before operation begins. The controller is programmed with predetermined phase offsets that optimize fluid transfer efficiency, eliminating the need for real-time calculation or adjustment during operation. This preliminary configuration resolves the contradiction by achieving consistent fluid transfer through pre-planned synchronization while minimizing the complexity of real-time control operations.
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 patient comfort and device efficacy by ensuring consistent and accurate inflation, deflation, and pressurization through synchronized piezoelectric pump and valve operation, with monitoring for performance degradation and error correction.
Implementation Method 1
the pumps and valves may be operated by way of piezoelectric elements associated with the pumps and valves
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable fluid-operated device is configured to control fluid flow between a fluid reservoir and an inflatable member. The device includes: a battery configured for storing energy; a fluid reservoir configured to hold fluid; an inflatable member; first and second electronic pumps; and a controller. The first electronic pump is fluidically connected between the fluid reservoir and the inflatable member and is configured to pump fluid from the fluid reservoir to the inflatable member. The second electronic pump is fluidically connected between the fluid reservoir and the inflatable member and is configured to pump fluid from the inflatable member to the fluid reservoir. The controller is configured to synchronize a pumping of the fluid by the first electronic pump with a pumping of the fluid by the second electronic pump.