Implantable Fluidic Pump Chamber via Piezoelectric Foil Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing implantable fluid-operated inflatable devices face challenges in maintaining consistent fluid flow and control due to fluctuations in pressure, pressure spikes, and movement, which can lead to unintended inflation, deflation, pressurization, or depressurization of implant components.

Innovation Solution

A method of making an implantable fluidic pump involves forming a metal foil into a non-flat configuration by applying stress, attaching it to a metal base plate to create a chamber, and then integrating a piezoelectric element to adjust the distance between the foil and the base plate, thereby enhancing fluid control and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual operation of the pumping device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and control accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidcontrol accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electronically controlled pumping device that uses a piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric element converts electrical signals into precise mechanical movements of the diaphragm, enabling accurate control of fluid flow without manual intervention. This substitution of mechanical control with electro-mechanical control resolves the contradiction by providing both automated precision control and reduced operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If electronic control system is used, then manufacturing precision and control accuracy improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single compact pumping device. The electronic control system is combined with the pumping mechanism, manifold, and fluid flow control in one integrated unit. The piezoelectric actuator serves both as the driving mechanism and the control element, eliminating the need for separate complex control systems. This multi-functionality approach maintains high control accuracy while minimizing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If pressure fluctuations occur due to movement or falls, then reliability deteriorates, but this is an unavoidable external factor

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidpressure fluctuations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a compliance chamber or cushioning element in the fluid pathway that can absorb pressure spikes and fluctuations. This cushioning mechanism is pre-installed to compensate for external disturbances such as patient movement or falls. When pressure fluctuations occur, the cushioning element absorbs or dampens the shock, preventing it from affecting the piezoelectric actuator and maintaining reliable operation. This beforehand cushioning resolves the contradiction by protecting the system from external harmful factors while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 solution ensures consistent and accurate control of fluid flow, maintaining set positions of pump and valve components despite pressure fluctuations, thereby improving patient comfort and device efficacy.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric element is attached to the foil, where the piezoelectric element is configured to change a distance between the foil and the flat surface of the metal base plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

applying the stress to the metal foil includes roll-milling the foil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Implementation Method 3

attaching the metal foil to the flat surface of the metal base plate includes welding a perimeter of the metal foil to the metal base plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentUS20250177182A1Formation of a chamber for a fluidic device
Publication Date: 2025.06.05 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC
  • US20250177182A1 patent drawing
  • US20250177182A1 patent drawing
  • US20250177182A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of making an implantable fluidic pump includes applying a stress to a flat metal foil to form the foil into a non-flat configuration and, while the metal foil is in in the non-flat configuration, attaching the metal foil to a flat surface of a metal base plate to form a chamber between the foil and the flat surface. Then, while the metal foil is in in the non-flat configuration and attached to the flat surface of the metal base plate, a piezoelectric element is attached to the foil, where the piezoelectric element is configured to change a distance between the foil and the flat surface of the metal base plate.