Selectable Flow Rate Implantable Drug Delivery Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with sensorineural hearing loss do not benefit sufficiently from auditory prostheses that generate mechanical motion of the cochlea fluid, as their nerve pathways are damaged, necessitating alternative stimulation methods.
Innovation Solution
An implantable system comprising conduits and valves configured to deliver a treatment liquid at a controlled flow rate to the inner ear, utilizing flow restrictors and valves to manage the flow resistance and flow rate, allowing for selective administration of the liquid to the recipient's inner ear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If auditory prostheses generate mechanical motion of the cochlea fluid, then conductive hearing loss is treated, but sensorineural hearing loss does not benefit sufficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple flow restrictors with different flow resistances that can be selectively activated to dynamically adjust the flow characteristics of the cochlear implant system, enabling adaptation to different hearing loss types including sensorineural hearing loss
2Productivity
If flow rate is increased to deliver treatment liquid faster, then treatment efficiency improves, but flow control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow control system into multiple flow restrictors with different flow resistances, allowing selective activation of specific restrictors to achieve both rapid delivery and precise flow rate control by combining different restrictor configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes flow resistance parameters by selectively activating different flow restrictors, enabling adjustment of flow rate while maintaining control precision through the use of restrictors with specifically designed resistance values
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flow restrictors are used to provide selectable flow rates, then flow control versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple flow restrictors and valves into an integrated assembly where components work together in a coordinated manner, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to provide selectable flow rates through the combined functionality of the merged components
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 extended delivery of treatment substances to the inner ear, providing a selectable flow rate that can benefit individuals with sensorineural hearing loss by stimulating nerve cells directly.
Implementation Method 1
Each conduit of the plurality of conduits has a corresponding flow resistance to the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided which includes a plurality of conduits and a plurality of valves in fluidic communication with the plurality of conduits. The plurality of conduits is configured to receive liquid from at least one liquid reservoir configured to be implanted on or within a recipient. Each conduit of the plurality of conduits has a corresponding flow resistance to the liquid. The plurality of valves is configured to controllably allow flow of the liquid through a selected set of the conduits to be administered internally to the recipient with a selected flow rate.