Design and analysis of an electromagnetically driven valve for a glaucoma implant

Abstract

Glaucoma is an eye disease which is caused by abnormal high IOP (Intra Ocular Pressure) in the eye. The use of in implants is increasing in these days in order to treat the glaucoma. However, though conventional implants have a capability of pressure regulation, they cannot maintain IOPs desired for different patients. To solve these problems, it is needed to develop a new implant which is capable of controlling the IOP actively and copes with the personal difference of patients. An active glaucoma implant consists of the valve actuator, pressure sensor, controller, and power supply. In this paper, firstly, we make an analysis of the operation of the conventional implant using a bond graph, and show its defects and limitations of the conventional valve analytically. Secondly, we design and analyze an electromagnetically driven valve actuator composed of membrane, air-core solenoid, permanent magnet, and covering frame. To save the electrical power for operating the valve actuator, appropriate actuating m ethods are suggested and an optimal design of the valve actuator is carried out. Finally, using simulations, the possibility of the proposed valve actuator is investigated.