The magnetic pump alternative intends to use multiple electromagnetic components to dis-place the helium gas across the membrane directly. A similar trigger time, as required to trig-ger the solenoid’s electromagnetic components in legacy products, can thus achieve direct actuation of the membrane to push the helium into the catheter for augmentation.
The aspect ratio of such a chamber containing a membrane with helium gas on one side and electromagnetic components on the other will be such that with small displacements of ap-proximately 1-2 mm, a sizeable volumetric displacement and pressure augmentation can be achieved. This is possible by making the chamber an extensive cross-section for volumetric gain but shallow thickness. Thus, the complete pneumatic circuit with pump and reservoirs, which were hitherto used, gets eliminated. We now have a small, highly mobile form factor
for the device.
The variability of displaced volume and pressure created can be managed by having an ex-pansion chamber that operates on a pressure switch and prevents spike of pressure within the catheter and its inadvertent rupture due to high pressure. The resulting device can easily fit into a backpack or carry-on bag and affords more convenient portability of the device.
The innovation also affords a 60-70% reduction in inventory carrying costs.
In the future iterations of the device, we can also negate the need for a helium reservoir by sourcing the working gas in the catheter directly from the air. It may use the ambient air or part of it to enable augmentation in the catheter.
