Shape-Memory Shunt Plate Assembly for Adjustable Ocular Drainage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glaucoma treatments fail to effectively manage fluid flow within the eye, leading to progressive vision loss due to ocular hypertension, as they lack adjustable mechanisms to control the drainage of aqueous humor.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable shunting system with a plate assembly containing shape memory actuators and discrete sheets to control fluid flow, allowing selective adjustment of drainage rates through multiple inlets and channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing glaucoma treatments are used, then the structure is simple, but they fail to effectively manage fluid flow and control drainage rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid drainage rateVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shunting system is divided into multiple discrete components including a plate assembly with multiple inlets and outlets, shape memory actuators, and discrete sheets forming flow channels. This segmentation enables independent control of fluid flow through different pathways, allowing adjustable drainage rates while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates shape memory actuators that can dynamically change the configuration of flow channels in response to environmental stimuli such as temperature or pH changes. This dynamic capability allows the device to adjust fluid drainage rates in real-time, transitioning from a static simple structure to an adaptive system that responds to physiological conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable mechanisms are added to control drainage, then fluid flow control improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustable drainage controlVSAvoidplate assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shape memory actuators are designed to respond autonomously to physiological stimuli such as temperature variations or pH changes within the eye, enabling self-regulation of fluid drainage rates without requiring external control mechanisms. This self-service approach provides adaptability while minimizing the addition of complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes changes in physical or chemical parameters (such as temperature, pH, or ionic concentration) to trigger shape memory effects in the actuators, which in turn modify the flow channel configuration. This parameter-based control mechanism provides versatile adjustment capability through simple stimulus-response behavior rather than complex mechanical or electronic controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple inlets and channels are incorporated, then fluid flow control precision improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow channel configurationVSAvoidplate assembly fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The plate assembly utilizes thin flexible sheets that can be formed into complex three-dimensional flow channel configurations. These thin film structures allow for precise control of fluid pathways while being amenable to fabrication techniques such as laser cutting, molding, or 3D printing, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture despite the complexity of the flow channel geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs composite construction combining biocompatible materials with shape memory properties, allowing the plate assembly to integrate multiple functions (fluid flow, actuation, sealing) within a unified structure. This composite approach simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of separate components that would need to be assembled, while still achieving precise flow channel configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 system provides customizable fluid drainage rates, effectively managing ocular hypertension and reducing vision loss by enabling precise control of fluid flow between different eye regions.

Implementation Method 1

The plate assembly can include a shape memory actuation assembly having one or more nitinol actuators for controlling the flow of fluid through the system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS12539404B2Adjustable shunting systems with plate assemblies, and associated systems and methods

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 SHIFAMED HLDG LLC

AI summary

The present technology is generally directed to adjustable shunting systems for draining fluid from a first body region to a second body region. The adjustable shunting systems include a flow control plate or cartridge for controlling the flow of fluid through the system. For example, the flow control plate can include a shape memory actuation assembly having one or more nitinol actuators for controlling the flow of fluid through the system. The flow control plate can further include a plurality of discrete sheets or layers adhered together to encase the shape memory actuation assembly. The discrete sheets or layers can form flow channels for directing fluid through the flow control plate.