Valve simulation device and blood pump testing system

Abstract

The application relates to a valve simulation device and a blood pump test system. The valve simulation device comprises a shell, a mounting frame and a valve. The shell is provided with a containing cavity, a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. The mounting frame is arranged in the containing cavity for mounting a blood pump. The mounting frame or the shell is provided with a blocking part. The valve is arranged in the containing cavity to separate the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet. The valve is provided with a valve hole for connecting the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet. The valve has a closed position in which the valve hole is blocked by the blocking part, and an open position in which the valve hole is opened by separating the blocking part. The valve can move relative to the shell under the action of a pressure difference between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet, and switch between the closed position and the open position. The valve simulation device can more realistically simulate the opening and closing of a heart valve, and improve the accuracy of blood pump service life test results.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a valve simulation device and a blood pump testing system including the valve simulation device. Background Technology

[0002] A blood pump is a device that inserts itself into a patient's heart through a blood vessel. It extends into the heart through the valve orifice to pump blood from the heart into the arteries. Currently, to test the lifespan of blood pumps, they are typically placed in a valve simulator to simulate the opening and closing of heart valves. However, traditional valve simulators struggle to accurately simulate the opening and closing of heart valves, leading to inaccurate test results for blood pump lifespan. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a valve simulation device, which aims to improve the realism of the simulation of heart valve opening and closing and improve the accuracy of blood pump testing, thereby solving the problem of low testing accuracy of traditional valve simulation devices.

[0004] In one embodiment, the valve simulation device provided by the present invention includes a housing, a mounting bracket, and a valve; wherein the housing has a receiving cavity, an inlet, and an outlet; the mounting bracket is disposed in the receiving cavity for mounting a blood pump; the mounting bracket or the housing has a sealing portion; the valve is disposed in the receiving cavity to separate the inlet and the outlet; the valve has a valve orifice for communicating with the inlet and the outlet, the valve has a closed position in which the valve orifice is blocked by the sealing portion, and an open position in which the valve orifice is opened by separating from the sealing portion, the valve being able to move relative to the housing under the pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet, and switching between the closed position and the open position.

[0005] In one embodiment, the sealing part includes a base plate disposed at the liquid inlet and a fixing platform disposed on the base plate; wherein the fixing platform protrudes from the base plate toward the receiving cavity for the valve to be fitted and to block the valve orifice; the outer periphery of the base plate is spaced apart from the inner periphery of the liquid inlet, and the base plate is provided with a stop surface surrounding the outer periphery of the fixing platform, the stop surface facing the receiving cavity for the valve to fit.

[0006] In one embodiment, the mounting bracket includes a mounting base and a guide portion; wherein the mounting base is fixedly connected to the housing; the guide portion extends from the mounting base toward the liquid inlet and passes through the valve orifice of the valve to connect with the sealing portion, so that the valve can slide along the extension direction of the guide portion.

[0007] In one embodiment, the housing cavity includes a first cavity communicating with the outlet and a second cavity located between the first cavity and the inlet and communicating with the first cavity, a support platform being provided between the second cavity and the first cavity; the mounting base includes a base plate and a sleeve; wherein the base plate is mounted on the support platform, and the base plate has a communicating hole opposite to the fixing hole for the blood pump to pass through; the sleeve is connected to the base plate and surrounds the outer periphery of the guide portion, the sleeve extends from the base plate to the second cavity and contacts and engages with the inner peripheral wall of the second cavity.

[0008] In one embodiment, at least one of the mounting base and the guide portion is provided with a hole that connects the first cavity and the second cavity; and / or, the sealing portion is provided with a fixing hole opposite to the valve orifice, the fixing hole allowing the blood pump to pass through and engage with the blood pump.

[0009] In one embodiment, the guide portion includes a plurality of guide ribs, which are arranged in a ring at intervals and extend from the mounting base toward the liquid inlet; a gap is formed between two adjacent guide ribs.

[0010] In one embodiment, the guide rib includes a connecting section, a reduced diameter section, and a guide section; wherein the connecting section is connected to the mounting base and extends from the mounting base toward the liquid inlet; the reduced diameter section extends radially inward from one end of the connecting section toward the liquid inlet; the guide section extends from the inner end of the reduced diameter section toward the liquid inlet; the valve is annularly fitted on the guide section; the mounting base has a bottom end face facing the valve, and the distance between the bottom end face and the sealing portion is smaller than the distance between the reduced diameter section and the sealing portion.

[0011] In one embodiment, the valve simulation device further includes an elastic element installed within the housing, the elastic element being connected to the valve, and the elastic element being capable of driving the valve from the open position to the closed position by releasing elastic potential energy.

[0012] The present invention also provides a blood pump testing system, comprising a first housing, a second housing, a piping assembly, and a valve simulation device as described in any one of the above descriptions. The first housing has a first reservoir; the second housing has a second reservoir with a variable volume; the piping assembly includes a connecting pipe and a one-way valve, the two ends of the connecting pipe being connected to the first reservoir and the second reservoir respectively, and the one-way valve being disposed within the piping cavity to allow liquid to flow unidirectionally from the first reservoir to the second reservoir; the inlet of the valve simulation device is connected to the second reservoir, and the outlet of the valve simulation device is connected to the first reservoir.

[0013] The valve simulation device of the present invention provides a valve that can move relative to the housing inside the housing. The valve can move relative to the housing under the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet and switch between the closed position and the open position, thereby realistically simulating the opening and closing of the heart valve, ensuring that the blood pump is in a more realistic simulation environment, and thus improving the accuracy of the blood pump life test results. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the blood pump system of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the assembled blood pump and valve simulation device shown.

[0016] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the valve simulation device in operation with the blood pump when the valve is in the closed position;

[0017] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the valve simulation device shown, showing the valve moving to the closed position in conjunction with the blood pump;

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the valve simulation device of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 6 for Figure 5 An exploded view of the valve simulation device shown.

[0020] Figure 7 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the valve simulation device shown in the closed position;

[0021] Figure 8 for Figure 7 An enlarged view of point P1 is shown;

[0022] Figure 9 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the valve simulation device shown when the valve moves to the open position;

[0023] Figure 10 for Figure 9 The enlarged view at point P2 is shown below;

[0024] Figure 11 for Figure 9 The enlarged view at point P3 is shown;

[0025] Figure 12 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the mounting frame for the valve simulation device shown.

[0026] Figure 13 for Figure 12 A structural schematic diagram of the mounting bracket from another perspective;

[0027] Figure 14 for Figure 12 The diagram shows the internal structure of the mounting bracket.

[0028] Figure 15 for Figure 6 The diagram shows the structure of the valve.

[0029] Figure label:

[0030] 10. Blood pump testing system; 11. First housing; 111. First liquid storage chamber

[0031] 12. Second housing 121 Second liquid storage chamber 13. Piping assembly

[0032] 131. Connecting pipe; 132. One-way valve; 14. Valve simulation device

[0033] 20. Blood pump 200, housing 210, accommodating cavity

[0034] 211. First cavity; 212. Second cavity; 213. Support platform

[0035] 222, liquid outlet 230, bottom wall 231, liquid inlet

[0036] 240, step surface 300, mounting bracket 310, mounting base

[0037] 311, base plate 3111, connecting hole 312, sleeve

[0038] 3121, bottom end face 320, guide part 321, guide rib

[0039] 3211, Connecting section; 3212, Reduced diameter section; 3213, Guide section

[0040] 322, pore 330, sealing part 331, fixing hole

[0041] 332, base plate; 3321, stop surface; 333, fixed platform

[0042] 400, valve; 410, valve foramen Detailed Implementation

[0043] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of the invention.

[0044] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "inner," "outer," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0045] Please see Figures 1 to 4 This invention provides an embodiment of a valve simulation device and a blood pump testing system 10. The blood pump testing system 10 is used to simulate a cardiac environment to measure the lifespan of a blood pump 20. The blood pump testing system 10 includes a first housing 11, a second housing 12, a tubing assembly 13, and the valve simulation device 14. The tubing assembly 13 includes a connecting pipe 131 and a one-way valve 132. The first housing 11 has a first reservoir 111 for simulating an arterial cavity. The second housing 12 has a variable-volume second reservoir 121 for simulating a ventricular cavity. The valve simulation device 14 connects the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. The valve simulation device 14 is used to simulate a heart valve. The blood pump 20 transmits blood within the simulated heart valve. The inlet 21 of the blood pump 20 is located in the second reservoir 121, and the outlet 22 of the blood pump 20 is located in the first reservoir 111. The two ends of the connecting pipe 131 are connected to the first liquid storage chamber 111 and the second liquid storage chamber 121, respectively. A one-way valve 132 is provided on the connecting pipe 131 to allow the liquid in the first liquid storage chamber 111 to flow unidirectionally to the second liquid storage chamber 121. The volume of the second liquid storage chamber 121 can be changed. When the volume of the second liquid storage chamber 121 is compressed and becomes smaller, the liquid pressure in the second liquid storage chamber 121 increases, thereby simulating the contraction and expansion of the heart. For example, the second housing 12 can undergo elastic deformation under the action of extrusion force, compressing the second liquid storage chamber 121 by extruding the second housing 12; when the extrusion force is removed, the volume of the second liquid storage chamber 121 returns to its original state.

[0046] When testing the blood pump 20 using the blood pump testing system 10, the blood pump 20 is first inserted from the first reservoir 111 of the first housing 11 through the valve simulation device 14 and into the second reservoir 121 of the second housing 12, such that the inlet 21 of the blood pump 20 is located in the second reservoir 121, and the outlet 22 of the blood pump 20 is located in the first reservoir 111. Then, the blood pump testing system 10 is activated, causing the volume of the second reservoir 121 to contract. The liquid in the second reservoir 121 is squeezed, and a portion of the liquid enters the first reservoir 111 through the valve simulation device 14 (e.g., ...). Figure 4 As shown in L1), a portion of the liquid can enter the blood pump 20 from the inlet 21 and flow into the first reservoir 111 from the outlet 22 of the blood pump 20 (as shown in L1). Figure 4 (As shown in L2). The liquid in the first storage chamber 111 flows back to the second storage chamber 121 through the connecting pipe 131 under the action of the one-way valve 132, thus realizing the circulation of the liquid. However, due to the obstruction of the one-way valve 132, the liquid in the second storage chamber 121 cannot flow into the first storage chamber 111 through the connecting pipe 131. That is, the one-way valve 132 is used to control the liquid in the first storage chamber 111 to flow into the second storage chamber 121 in one direction through the connecting pipe 131.

[0047] The specific structure of the valve simulation device 14 will be described below.

[0048] Please see Figures 5 to 7 In one embodiment, the valve simulation device 14 includes a housing 200, a mounting bracket 300, and a valve 400. The housing 200 has a receiving cavity 210, an inlet 231, and an outlet 222. A mounting bracket 300 is disposed in the receiving cavity 210 for mounting the blood pump 20. The mounting bracket 300 or the housing 200 has a sealing part 330. A valve 400 is disposed in the receiving cavity 210 to separate the inlet 231 and the outlet 222. The valve 400 has a valve orifice 410 for communicating the inlet 231 and the outlet 222. The valve 400 has a closed position in which the valve orifice 410 is blocked by the sealing part 330, and an open position in which the valve orifice 410 is opened after being separated from the sealing part 330. The valve 400 can move relative to the housing 200 under the action of the hydraulic difference between the inlet 231 and the outlet 222, and switch between the closed position and the open position.

[0049] Specifically, the housing 200 can be optionally configured as a tubular structure. The housing 200 includes a bottom wall 230, an inlet 231 disposed on the bottom wall 230, and a stepped surface 240 surrounding the inlet 231. The inlet 231 and outlet 222 are arranged axially along the housing 200 at both ends of the accommodating cavity 210, such that the accommodating cavity 210 is located between the inlet 231 and the outlet 222. The inlet 231 communicates with the second liquid storage cavity 121 of the second housing 20; the outlet 222 communicates with the first liquid storage cavity 111 of the first housing 11. A valve 400 and a sealing portion 330 are both disposed within the accommodating cavity 210. The sealing portion 330 can extend into or be close to the inlet 231. The valve 400 is located on the side of the sealing portion 330 opposite to the inlet 231. The valve 400 is movably mounted within the receiving cavity 210, allowing the valve 400 to move relative to the housing 200 and switch between the closed position and the open position.

[0050] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 3 When the blood pump 20 is installed on the valve simulation device 14, the distal end of the blood pump 20 (i.e., the end where the blood pump 20 has an inlet 21) passes sequentially through the outlet 222, the receiving cavity 210, the mounting bracket 300, and the inlet 231 of the valve simulation device 14, so that the inlet 21 of the blood pump 20 enters the second reservoir 121 of the second housing 20 from the inlet 231. Furthermore, after the blood pump 20 is installed, it is fixed to the mounting bracket 300, which supports and secures the blood pump 20.

[0051] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 3 In the initial state, the hydraulic pressure in the first reservoir 111 is higher than that in the second reservoir 121. Under the hydraulic pressure of the first reservoir 111, the valve 400 of the valve simulation device 14 engages with the sealing part 330, and the valve orifice 410 on the valve 400 is blocked by the sealing part 330, placing the valve 400 in the closed position. At this time, the sealing part 330 can provide support and blockage for the valve 400. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 Then, the volume of the second liquid storage chamber 121 is reduced, and the liquid in the second liquid storage chamber 121 is squeezed, so that the pressure at the inlet 231 is greater than the pressure at the outlet 222, thereby causing the liquid in the second liquid storage chamber 121 to flow from the inlet 231 of the valve simulation device 14 to its receiving cavity 210 (e.g. Figure 4As shown in L1), the valve 400 is then pushed from the inlet 231 toward the receiving cavity 210, causing the valve 400 to separate from the sealing part 330, exposing the valve orifice 410 of the valve 400. The valve 400 switches to the open position, and the liquid in the second reservoir 121 can enter the area of ​​the receiving cavity 210 between the valve 400 and the outlet 222 from the inlet 231 and the valve orifice 410, and finally flow from the outlet 222 to the first reservoir 111 of the first housing 11; at the same time, some of the liquid in the second reservoir 121 will also enter the blood pump 20 from the inlet 21 (e.g., Figure 4 (As shown in L2), and then transported to the first reservoir 111 via the outlet 22 of the blood pump 20.

[0052] Next, the second liquid storage chamber 121 is released to expand its volume, and the pressure at the inlet 231 becomes less than the pressure at the outlet 222. As a result, the liquid in the valve simulation device 14 tends to flow toward the inlet 231, thereby driving the valve 400 to move from the accommodating chamber 210 toward the inlet 231. This causes the valve orifice 410 of the valve 400 to contact the sealing part 330 and be blocked by the sealing part 330, and the valve 400 switches to the closed position. At the same time, the liquid in the first housing 11 also flows back to the second liquid storage chamber 121 of the second housing 12 through the pipeline assembly 13, and enters the next cycle.

[0053] As can be seen from the above description, the valve simulation device 14 of the present invention provides a valve 400 that can move relative to the housing 200 inside the housing 200. The valve 400 can move relative to the housing 200 under the action of the hydraulic difference between the inlet 231 and the outlet 222, so that the valve 400 periodically switches between the closed position and the open position, thereby periodically blocking and opening the valve orifice 410 of the valve 400, thus realistically simulating the opening and closing of the heart valve.

[0054] Please see Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the valve 400 has a flat, sheet-like structure. A valve orifice 410 (e.g., ...) is provided in the central region of the valve 400. Figure 15 As shown, the valve orifice 410 and the sealing portion 330 are disposed opposite each other. The periphery of the valve 400 is sealed to the inner wall surface of the receiving cavity 210, so that the valve 400 can slide relative to the inner wall surface of the receiving cavity 210. Specifically, the receiving cavity 210 includes a first cavity 211 communicating with the outlet 222, and a second cavity 212 located between the first cavity 211 and the inlet 231 and communicating with the first cavity 211; the valve 400 is disposed in the second cavity 212 and slides to the inner wall surface of the second cavity 212, so that the valve 400 can slide up and down in the second cavity 212.

[0055] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 In one embodiment, the sealing part 330 includes a base plate 332 disposed at the liquid inlet 231 and a fixing platform 333 disposed on the base plate 332; wherein the outer periphery of the base plate 332 is spaced apart from the inner periphery of the liquid inlet 231; the fixing platform 333 protrudes from the base plate 332 toward the receiving cavity 210 so that the valve 400 can be ringed to seal the valve orifice 410.

[0056] Specifically, the base plate 332 of the sealing section 330 is circular, and the outer diameter of the base plate 332 is smaller than the inner diameter of the liquid inlet 231, so that the outer periphery of the base plate 332 and the inner periphery of the liquid inlet 231 form a liquid flow channel, allowing liquid to pass through after the valve 400 moves to the open position. The outer diameter of the fixing platform 333 can be the same as the diameter of the valve orifice 410 of the valve 400, so that the valve 400 can be fitted onto the fixing platform 333 through the valve orifice 410. In other words, the fixing platform 333 cooperates with the valve orifice 410, so that the fixing platform 333 plays a sealing role on the valve orifice 410, thereby improving the sealing effect of the entire sealing section 330 on the valve orifice 410 and improving the realism of the valve simulation device 14. When valve 400 is in the closed position, valve 400 is looped around the fixed platform 333 on the base plate 332 through valve orifice 410. At this time, valve 400 covers liquid inlet 231, and valve orifice 410 of valve 400 is blocked by fixed platform 333 and is in the closed position.

[0057] Optionally, the base plate 332 is provided with a stop surface 3321 surrounding the outer periphery of the fixed platform 333, the stop surface 3321 facing the receiving cavity 210 for the valve 400 to fit against. When the valve 400 is in the closed position, the valve 400 fits against the stop surface 3321. The stop surface 3321 not only covers the valve orifice 410 of the valve 400, improving the sealing performance, but also supports the valve 400, reducing the possibility of the valve 400 being deformed by hydraulic pressure. Further, the housing 200 is provided with a stepped surface 240 surrounding the inner periphery of the liquid inlet 231 for the valve 400 to fit against. The stepped surface 240 can be flush with the stop surface 3321 to jointly support the valve 400.

[0058] Since the stop surface 3321 is flush with the step surface 240, the valve 400 can simultaneously abut against and conform to both the stop surface 3321 and the step surface 240, so that the stop surface 3321 and the step surface 240 together provide support and limit the valve 400. Of course, in other embodiments, only one of the step surface 240 and the stop surface 3321 may conform to the valve 400 to support the valve 400.

[0059] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 12 and Figure 13In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 300 is fixedly connected to the housing 200. The mounting bracket 300 includes a mounting base 310 and a guide portion 320. The mounting base 310 is fixedly connected to the housing 200, and the guide portion 320 extends from the mounting base 310 toward the liquid inlet 231 and passes through the valve orifice 410 of the valve 400, so that the valve 400 can slide along the extending direction of the guide portion 320. This allows the valve 400 to slide smoothly along the guide portion 320 and prevents misalignment.

[0060] Since one end of the guide portion 320 extends toward the inlet 231, the sealing portion 330 can be integrally connected to the guide portion 320, i.e., the sealing portion 330 is mounted on the mounting bracket 300. Optionally, the sealing portion 330 is connected to the end of the guide portion 320 facing the inlet 231. The sealing portion 330, the guide portion 320, and the mounting base 310 are integrally formed. Further, the sealing portion 330 is provided with a fixing hole 331 corresponding to the valve orifice 410, and the fixing hole 331 allows the blood pump 20 to pass through and be inserted into the blood pump 20.

[0061] Specifically, the fixing hole 331 penetrates the bottom plate 332 and the fixing platform 333 of the sealing part 330. The diameter of the fixing hole 331 can be approximately equal to the diameter of the blood pump 20. When the blood pump 20 passes through the fixing hole 331, it can form an interference fit with the fixing hole 331, thereby fixing the blood pump 20 in the fixing hole 331 and finally fixing the blood pump 20 on the sealing part 330. Obviously, the blood pump 20 will also block the fixing hole 331. Of course, in other embodiments, the sealing part 330 may not be connected to the guide part 320. For example, multiple connecting ribs are provided on the outer periphery of the sealing part 330, and the multiple connecting ribs are connected to the inner periphery of the inlet 231.

[0062] Please see Figure 7 and Figure 8 There are various design options for fixing the mounting base 31 of the mounting bracket 300. In one embodiment, the accommodating cavity 210 of the housing 200 includes a first cavity 211 communicating with the liquid outlet 222, and a second cavity 212 located between the first cavity 211 and the liquid inlet 231 and communicating with the first cavity 211. A support platform 213 is provided between the second cavity 212 and the first cavity 211; the mounting base 310 is mounted on the support platform 213. Specifically, the inner diameter of the first cavity 211 is larger than the inner diameter of the second cavity 212, thereby forming the support platform 213 between the transition position of the first cavity 211 and the second cavity 212.

[0063] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 14Optionally, the mounting base 310 includes a base plate 311 and a sleeve 312. The base plate 311 can be a circular plate, and the sleeve 312 can be cylindrical. The base plate 311 is housed in the first cavity 211, and the diameter of the base plate 311 can be approximately equal to the diameter of the first cavity 211. The base plate 311 is supported on the support platform 213, which provides support and positioning for the base plate 311. The outer surface of the base plate 311 contacts and engages with the inner peripheral wall of the first cavity 211, ensuring that there is no gap between the base plate 311 and the housing 200 in the radial direction of the housing 200, thereby providing a seal for the first cavity 211. The base plate 311 can be fixed to the support platform 213 by adhesive bonding and bolt connection, thereby fixing the mounting base 310 and the entire mounting bracket 300 to the housing 200.

[0064] The mounting base 310 has an opening that connects the first cavity 211 and the second cavity 212. Specifically, the base plate 311 of the mounting base 310 has a connecting hole 3111 that extends through the entire base plate 311 along its thickness direction and is coaxially arranged with the accommodating cavity 210. The first cavity 211 and the second cavity 212 are interconnected through the connecting hole 3111. The number of connecting holes 3111 can be one or more. In one embodiment, there is one connecting hole 3111, and the diameter of the connecting hole 3111 can be larger than the diameter of the blood pump 20. When the blood pump 20 passes through the connecting hole 3111, there is still a flow gap in the connecting hole 3111 that is not filled by the blood pump 20. An opening that connects the first cavity 211 and the second cavity 212 is formed from the connecting hole 3111. This opening allows liquid to flow, that is, liquid in the second cavity 212 can enter the first cavity 211 through this opening. In another embodiment, there are multiple connecting holes 3111, one of which has a diameter equal to that of the blood pump 20, so that the blood pump 20 is inserted and fixed in the connecting hole 3111. The remaining connecting holes 3111 form a gap that connects the first cavity 211 and the second cavity 212, so that liquid can enter the first cavity 211 from the second cavity 212 through the flow hole.

[0065] The sleeve 312 of the mounting base 310 extends from the seat plate 311 toward the second cavity 212, and the sleeve 312 surrounds the outer periphery of the guide portion 320, so that the sleeve 312 is received in the second cavity 212. The outer diameter of the sleeve 312 can be approximately equal to the diameter of the second cavity 212, so that the side peripheral surface of the sleeve 312 contacts and fits with the inner peripheral wall of the second cavity 212, so that there is no gap between the sleeve 312 and the housing 200 in the radial direction of the housing 200, thereby allowing the sleeve 312 to seal the second cavity 212. The diameter of the connecting hole 3111 can be smaller than the inner diameter of the sleeve 312, that is, the sleeve 312 is arranged around the connecting hole 3111, and the connecting hole 3111 communicates with the inner cavity of the sleeve 312.

[0066] See Figure 9 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 In some embodiments, the guide portion 320 is provided with a hole that connects the first cavity 211 and the second cavity 212. Specifically, the guide portion 320 includes a plurality of guide ribs 321, which are arranged in a ring at intervals and all extend from the mounting base 310 toward the liquid inlet 231. A hole 322 is formed between two adjacent guide ribs 321, which can connect the first cavity 211 and the second cavity 212 to each other.

[0067] One end of the guide rib 321 is fixedly connected to the seat plate 311, and the other end of the guide rib 321 is fixedly connected to the sealing part 330. Multiple guide ribs 321 are arranged around the connecting hole 3111, so that the multiple guide ribs 321 are spaced apart circumferentially along the connecting hole 3111. The diameter of the valve orifice 410 can be larger than the diameter of the small grid tube formed by the guide ribs 321, so as to avoid interference between the guide ribs 321 and the valve 400.

[0068] In one embodiment, the guide rib 321 may include a connecting section 3211, a reduced diameter section 3212, and a guide section 3213. The connecting section 3211 is fixedly connected to the seat plate 311 and can extend along the axial direction of the housing 200 from the mounting base 310 toward the liquid inlet 231. The reduced diameter section 3212 extends radially inward from one end of the connecting section 3211 toward the liquid inlet 231, and the guide section 3213 extends from the inner end of the reduced diameter section 3212 toward the liquid inlet 231. The valve 400 surrounds the outer periphery of the guide section 3213 of the plurality of guide ribs 321.

[0069] Specifically, the reduced-diameter section 3212 connects the connecting section 3211 and the guide section 3213. The extending directions of the connecting section 3211 and the guide section 3213 are parallel to each other, and the connecting section 3211 and the reduced-diameter section 3212 can be perpendicular to each other. In simpler terms, the connecting sections 3211 of the multiple guide ribs 321 form a large grid tube, and the guide sections 3213 of the multiple guide ribs 321 form a small grid tube. The diameter of the large grid tube is larger than the diameter of the small grid tube. The valve 400 surrounds the outer periphery of the multiple guide ribs 321 through the valve orifice 410, which is equivalent to surrounding the outer periphery of the small grid tube. Furthermore, the diameter of the valve orifice 410 is larger than the diameter of the small grid tube but smaller than the diameter of the large grid tube. Therefore, during the movement of the valve 400, the valve 400 is less likely to contact the guide ribs 321 and interfere. Meanwhile, the large grid tube has a relatively large diameter, thereby reducing the flow resistance of the liquid in the second cavity 212, improving the smoothness of liquid flow and reducing eddies, thus improving the realism of the simulation by the valve simulator 14 and the accuracy of the blood pump 20 lifespan test results. Compared to separating the blood pump 20 and the valve orifice 410, this design can reduce liquid eddies.

[0070] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 14 Considering that when the valve 400 switches from the closed position to the open position, the valve 400 slides toward the reduced diameter section 3212 of the guide portion 320, if the valve 400 slides to contact and fit with the reduced diameter section 3212, the reduced diameter section 3212 may partially obstruct the valve orifice 410 of the valve 400. Therefore, to avoid this situation, optionally, the sleeve 312 of the mounting base 310 has a bottom end face 3121 facing the valve 400, and the distance D1 between the bottom end face 3121 and the sealing portion 330 is smaller than the distance D2 between the reduced diameter section 3212 and the sealing portion 330, i.e., D1 < D2.

[0071] When the valve 400 switches from the closed position to the open position, the bottom end face 3121 of the sleeve 312 contacts the valve 400 before the narrowed section 3212 of the guide portion 320, thereby restricting the valve 400 from sliding further toward the narrowed section 3212 of the guide portion 320. This also prevents the valve 400 from abutting against the narrowed section 3212 and avoiding the narrowed section 3212 from blocking the valve orifice 410. Therefore, by cooperating with the sleeve 312 and the occlusion portion 330, the vertical sliding stroke of the valve 400 can be limited. In fact, when the valve 400 moves away from the occlusion portion 330 and separates from it, the valve orifice 410 switches to the open position.

[0072] When pressure is applied to the second housing 12, the second liquid storage chamber 121 is compressed and the pressure increases. The liquid in the second liquid storage chamber 121 enters the inlet 231 and applies pressure to the valve 400, thereby overcoming the liquid pressure in the second chamber 212, causing the valve 400 to move upward and disengage from the sealing part 330 and the step surface 240. See reference. Figure 10 During the upward movement of the valve 400, when the fixed platform 333 is completely disengaged from the valve orifice 410, the valve 400 is in the open position relative to the mounting bracket 300, so that the mounting bracket 300 fully opens the valve orifice 410. At this time, the liquid in the inlet 231 will enter the part of the second cavity 212 located above the valve 400 through the valve orifice 410, and then flow into the first liquid storage cavity 111 through the gap 322 between the guide ribs 321, the connecting hole 3111, the first cavity 211, and the outlet 222.

[0073] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 Before conducting a lifespan test on the blood pump 20, it must first be installed within the entire valve simulation device 14. Specifically, the distal end of the blood pump 20 extends from the first reservoir 111 of the first housing 11 through the outlet 222 of the valve simulation device 14. This outlet 222 then passes through the connecting hole 3111 of the mounting bracket 300 within the valve simulation device 14, the valve orifice 410 of the valve 400, the sealing part 330, and the inlet 231, extending into the second reservoir 121 of the second housing 12. This results in the inlet 21 of the blood pump 20 being located in the second reservoir 121, and the outlet 22 of the blood pump 20 being located in the first reservoir 111. The blood pump 20 is press-fitted with the fixing hole 331 of the sealing part 330, thereby fixing the blood pump 20 to the sealing part 330. The second liquid storage chamber 121 and the liquid inlet 231 are always in communication with each other, and the first liquid storage chamber 111, the first cavity 211 and the second cavity 212 are always in communication with each other. Figure 3 As shown, in the initial state, the pressure in the second cavity 212 is greater than the pressure in the inlet 231, causing the valve 400 to press against the sealing part 330 and the stepped surface 240. The mounting bracket 300 blocks the valve orifice 410, and the valve 400 is in the closed position. The blood pump 20 also blocks the fixing hole 331. Therefore, the liquid in the inlet 231 cannot enter the second cavity 212, and the liquid in the second reservoir 121 cannot enter the first reservoir 111 through the receiving cavity 210.

[0074] like Figure 4As shown, when pressure is applied to the second housing 12 to compress the second liquid storage chamber 121, the liquid in the second liquid storage chamber 121 flows toward the inlet 231, and the pressure at the inlet 231 increases, making the pressure at the inlet 231 greater than the pressure at the outlet 222. As a result, the liquid in the inlet 231 will push the valve 400 from the closed position toward the outlet to the open position, so that the liquid in the inlet 231 can pass through the valve hole 410 and enter the second chamber 212 of the valve simulation device, and then enter the first liquid storage chamber 111 from the second chamber 212 and the first chamber 211 through the outlet 222.

[0075] Of course, the liquid in the second reservoir 121 can also enter the blood pump 20 through the inlet 21 and flow into the first reservoir 111 from the outlet 22 of the blood pump 20. When the volume of the second housing 12 is expanded, the second reservoir 121 returns to its original state, the pressure at the outlet 222 is greater than the pressure at the inlet 231, and the valve 400 will move from the open position toward the inlet 231 and return to the closed position. The liquid in the first reservoir 111 can flow back to the second reservoir 121 through the one-way valve 132 and the connecting pipe 131, so that the liquid circulates back to the second housing 12.

[0076] Therefore, by periodically compressing the second chamber 12, the volume of the second reservoir 121 is periodically changed, thereby adjusting the pressure difference between the inlet 231 and the second chamber 212. This causes the valve 400 to periodically switch between the closed and open positions, resulting in the valve orifice 410 being periodically blocked and opened. This realistically simulates the opening and closing of the heart valve, ensuring that the blood pump 20 is in a realistic simulation environment, thereby improving the accuracy of the blood pump 20 lifespan test results.

[0077] Since the blood pump 20 is inserted into the valve orifice 410, when the valve 400 is in the open position, the liquid flowing from the valve orifice 410 can pass through the gap 322 between the multiple guide ribs 321, thereby surrounding the blood pump 20 from its entire circumference, and then flowing axially along the outer peripheral wall of the blood pump 20 to the outlet 222. This reduces the eddies generated by the liquid during the flow process, maximizes the simulation of the influence of the actual opening and closing state of the heart valve on the flow field of the blood pump 20, further improves the realism of the simulation by the valve simulation device 14, and thus improves the accuracy of the blood pump 20 lifespan test results.

[0078] Given that the distance D1 between the bottom end face 3121 and the sealing part 330 is smaller than the distance D2 between the narrowed section 3212 and the sealing part 330, when the valve 400 is in the open position, the valve 400 can abut against the bottom end face 3121. Through the interference of the sleeve 312, the valve 400 can be effectively prevented from contacting the narrowed section 3212, thereby preventing the narrowed section 3212 from blocking the valve orifice 410, ensuring that the blood has a larger flow area, reducing the flow resistance of the liquid in the second cavity 212, improving the smoothness of the liquid flow and reducing eddies, and improving the realism of the valve simulation device 14 simulation and the accuracy of the blood pump 20 service life test results.

[0079] In some embodiments, the orifice diameter of the valve orifice 410 is A, and the orifice diameter of the fixing orifice 331 is B, wherein 1.5:1 ≤ A / B ≤ 3:1. For example, the specific value of A / B can be 1.5:1, 2:1, or 3:1, etc. Given that the orifice diameter of the fixing orifice 331 is approximately equal to the diameter of the blood pump 20, when the valve 400 is in the open position, the blood pump 20 is still inserted in the valve orifice 410. This ensures that the liquid has sufficient space to flow out from the valve orifice 410 and that the fluid can flow out along the blood pump 20, simulating the influence of the heart valve on the flow field of the blood pump 20 as much as possible, thereby improving the realism of the simulation by the valve simulation device 14 and the accuracy of the blood pump 20 lifespan test results.

[0080] In some embodiments, the valve simulation device 14 further includes an elastic element (not shown) installed within the housing 200; this elastic element is connected to the valve 400 and can drive the valve 400 from the open position to the closed position by releasing elastic potential energy. For example, a groove is provided on the stepped surface 240; the elastic element is a spring, one end of which is fixed in the groove, and the other end of which is connected to the valve 400. When the valve 400 is in the closed position, the spring is in its initial state; when the valve 400 moves to the open position under the hydraulic pressure of the inlet 231, the spring is stretched and accumulates elastic potential energy; when the hydraulic pressure of the inlet 231 decreases, the spring releases the elastic potential energy and quickly pulls the valve 400 back to the closed position.

[0081] Of course, in other embodiments, the elastic element may also be disposed between the valve 400 and the mounting base 310 of the mounting bracket 300. When the valve 400 moves to the open position under the hydraulic action of the inlet 231, the elastic element is compressed and accumulates elastic potential energy; when the hydraulic pressure of the inlet 231 decreases, the elastic element releases the elastic potential energy and quickly pushes the valve 400 back to the closed position.

[0082] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0083] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A valve simulation device, characterized in that, The valve simulation device includes: The housing has a receiving cavity, a liquid inlet, and a liquid outlet; A mounting bracket, disposed within the receiving cavity, is provided for mounting the blood pump; the mounting bracket or the housing is provided with a sealing portion; and A valve is disposed in the receiving cavity to separate the inlet and the outlet; the valve has a valve orifice for communicating the inlet and the outlet; the valve has a closed position in which the valve orifice is blocked by the blocking part, and an open position in which the valve orifice is opened by separating from the blocking part; the valve is movable relative to the housing under the action of the hydraulic difference between the inlet and the outlet, and switches between the closed position and the open position. The sealing part is provided with a fixing hole opposite to the valve orifice, and the fixing hole allows the blood pump to pass through and be inserted into the blood pump.

2. The valve simulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve orifice is provided in the central region of the valve, and the periphery of the valve is sealed to the inner wall of the receiving cavity so that the valve can slide relative to the inner wall of the receiving cavity.

3. The valve simulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing part includes a base plate disposed at the liquid inlet and a fixing platform disposed on the base plate; wherein, the fixing platform protrudes from the base plate toward the receiving cavity for the valve to be ringed and to block the valve orifice; the outer periphery of the base plate is spaced apart from the inner periphery of the liquid inlet, and the base plate is provided with a stop surface surrounding the outer periphery of the fixing platform, the stop surface facing the receiving cavity for the valve to be fitted.

4. The valve simulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The mounting bracket includes a mounting base and a guide portion; wherein the mounting base is fixedly connected to the housing; the guide portion extends from the mounting base toward the liquid inlet and passes through the valve orifice of the valve to connect with the sealing portion, so that the valve can slide along the extension direction of the guide portion.

5. The valve simulation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The housing includes a first cavity communicating with the outlet and a second cavity located between the first cavity and the inlet and communicating with the first cavity. A support platform is provided between the second cavity and the first cavity. The mounting base includes a base plate and a sleeve. The base plate is mounted on the support platform and has a communicating hole opposite to the fixing hole for the blood pump to pass through. The sleeve is connected to the base plate and surrounds the outer periphery of the guide portion. The sleeve extends from the base plate to the second cavity and contacts and engages with the inner peripheral wall of the second cavity.

6. The valve simulation device according to claim 5, characterized in that, At least one of the mounting base and the guide portion is provided with a hole that connects the first cavity and the second cavity.

7. The valve simulation device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The guide portion includes multiple guide ribs, which are arranged in a ring at intervals and extend from the mounting base toward the liquid inlet; a gap is formed between two adjacent guide ribs.

8. The valve simulation device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The guide rib includes a connecting section, a reduced diameter section, and a guide section; wherein, the connecting section is connected to the mounting base and extends from the mounting base toward the liquid inlet; the reduced diameter section extends radially inward from one end of the connecting section toward the liquid inlet; the guide section extends from the inner end of the reduced diameter section toward the liquid inlet; the valve is annularly fitted on the guide section; the mounting base has a bottom end face facing the valve, and the distance between the bottom end face and the sealing portion is smaller than the distance between the reduced diameter section and the sealing portion.

9. The valve simulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The valve simulation device also includes an elastic element installed in the housing, the elastic element being connected to the valve, and the elastic element being able to drive the valve from the open position to the closed position by releasing elastic potential energy.

10. A blood pump testing system, characterized in that, The blood pump testing system includes: A first housing, wherein the first housing is provided with a first liquid storage chamber; The second housing has a second liquid storage chamber with a variable volume; A piping assembly, comprising a connecting pipe and a one-way valve, wherein the two ends of the connecting pipe are respectively connected to a first liquid storage chamber and a second liquid storage chamber, and the one-way valve is disposed on the connecting pipe to allow liquid to flow unidirectionally from the first liquid storage chamber to the second liquid storage chamber; and The valve simulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the inlet of the valve simulation device is connected to the second liquid storage chamber, and the outlet of the valve simulation device is connected to the first liquid storage chamber.

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