Reactive Metal Structure for Low-Energy Biomedical Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital biomedical devices, such as controlled release and bio-sensing devices, are limited by battery capacity and require high energy to open reservoirs for medication delivery or sensor activation, which can lead to inefficient energy use and limited functionality.
Innovation Solution
A digital biomedical device with a reactive metal structure comprising multiple metal layers that initiates a self-propagating reaction upon application of an electric current, allowing for controlled release of contents with low energy consumption and activation at low temperatures, using a substrate with a cavity and a lid coupled by a seal, where the reactive metal structure is part of the substrate or lid, and a power supply to apply the electric current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electricity is used to generate heat and melt a membrane to open a reservoir, then the device can deliver medication or activate sensors, but the battery capacity is limited and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the activation mechanism from thermal melting to mechanical fracture. The reactive metal structure undergoes a phase change or dimensional change when electric current is applied, causing the seal to fracture and open the reservoir without requiring high temperatures, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable medication delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal field (heat generation) with an electrical field directlY. The reactive metal structure responds to applied electric current by undergoing a dimensional change or phase change that mechanically fractures the seal, substituting the thermal melting process with an electro-mechanical activation mechanism that consumes less energy
2Productivity
If high energy is applied to open reservoirs, then medication delivery can be activated, but energy efficiency decreases and battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the activation parameter from high temperature to low temperature dimensional change. The reactive metal structure undergoes a phase change or crystal structure transformation when electric current is applied, causing mechanical fracture of the seal at low temperatures, thereby achieving efficient medication delivery activation with minimal energy loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables precise temporal control of medication delivery through periodic or on-demand application of electric current. The reactive metal structure can be activated at specific time points by applying electric current, allowing for pulsatile or scheduled medication delivery that optimizes therapeutic effect while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding continuous power application
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
Enables controlled and efficient release of substances or activation of sensors with significantly reduced energy requirements, allowing for sustained or pulsatile drug delivery and minimizing battery consumption, suitable for applications like cancer treatment and pain management.
Implementation Method 1
initiating a self-propagating reaction in a reactive metal structure by applying an electric current to the reactive metal structure comprising a plurality of metal layers
Data Source
AI summary
A digital biomedical device includes a substrate forming a cavity, a seal formed around the cavity, a lid coupled to the substrate by the seal, a reactive metal structure comprising a plurality of metal layers, wherein the reactive metal structure is a component of at least one of the substrate and the lid, a metal trace configured to initiate a self-propagating reaction between the plurality of metal layers of the reactive metal structure and release contents of the cavity, and a power supply configured to apply an electric current to the metal trace.