Shape Memory Shunt Actuators for Titratable Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shunting systems for treating conditions like glaucoma lack the ability to adjust therapy to meet individual patient needs and account for variable flow-related characteristics, such as flow rate, leading to inefficiencies and potential risks.
Innovation Solution
The use of adjustable shunting systems with shape memory actuators that include an anchor element, gating element, and independently actuable first and second actuation elements to control fluid flow through the shunting system, allowing for selective positioning of the gating element to block or permit fluid flow, thereby providing titratable therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional shunting systems are used, then the basic fluid shunting function is provided, but the ability to adjust therapy to meet individual patient needs is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The shunting system incorporates a movable gating element that can be dynamically positioned to adjust the aperture size, enabling real-time modification of fluid flow characteristics. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the system to adapt to individual patient needs and variable flow conditions without requiring multiple discrete devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables modification of key flow parameters including flow rate, aperture size, and flow resistance through the action of the gating element. By changing these parameters, the shunt can be tailored to specific patient requirements while maintaining a unified device structure.
2Productivity
If the shunt aperture is made larger to increase flow rate, then fluid flow is improved, but the risk of unwanted flow and side effects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gating element provides dynamic control over the aperture size, allowing the system to optimize flow rate when needed while closing or constricting the aperture to prevent unwanted flow. This dynamic regulation enables the shunt to deliver fluid at controlled rates, improving productivity while minimizing harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates mechanisms to monitor and respond to flow conditions, enabling the gating element to adjust aperture size based on actual flow requirements. This feedback control ensures that flow rate is increased only when beneficial, while automatically preventing unwanted flow and associated side effects.
3Measurement precision
If shape memory actuators are used to control the gating element, then precise control of fluid flow is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory actuator is designed to be self-actuating, utilizing the shape memory effect of the material to automatically return the gating element to its original position after deformation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external power sources or complex control mechanisms, achieving precise flow control while minimizing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory actuator exploits phase transitions in the shape memory material to generate mechanical motion. The material transitions between martensitic and austenitic phases in response to temperature changes, driving the gating element to precise positions without requiring complex mechanical actuators or control systems.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the shunting system is made smaller to reduce side effects, then patient comfort is improved, but the ability to provide titratable therapy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The compact shunting system incorporates a movable gating element that enables dynamic adjustment of flow characteristics within a reduced device footprint. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to provide titratable therapy while maintaining a smaller overall size that reduces side effects and improves patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The gating element and actuation mechanism are nested within the shunt body, allowing the flow control functionality to be integrated into a compact structure. This nesting arrangement enables the system to maintain full titratable therapy capability while minimizing the overall device size and associated side effects.
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 shape memory actuators enable precise control of fluid flow, reducing system size and minimizing side effects, and allowing for adaptable treatment based on individual patient needs.
Implementation Method 1
a shape memory actuator configured to control flow of fluid through the port, the shape memory actuator comprising an anchor element, a gating element configured to moveably interface with the port, a first actuation element extending between the anchor element and the gating element, and a second actuation element extending between the anchor element and the gating element
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology provides adjustable shunting systems with shape memory actuators. The shape memory actuators can be configured to selectively control the flow of fluid through the shunting system. For example, the shape memory actuators can include an anchor element, a gating element, and first and second actuation elements that extend between the anchor element and the gating element. The first actuation element can be selectively and independently actuated to rotate, pivot, or otherwise move the gating element in a first direction. The second actuation element can also be selectively and independently actuated to rotate, pivot, or otherwise move the gating element in a second direction opposite the first direction. When the shape memory actuator is coupled to the shunting system, the gating element can be positioned to moveably interface with a port or channel that permits fluid to flow into and/or through the shunting system.