A blood flow simulation system

Abstract

The application provides a blood flow simulation system, which comprises a blood flow power module, a blood flow pressure regulating module, a water storage pool module, a compliance module, a pipeline module, a mounting module and a control module. The liquid pipeline part of the pipeline module provides a channel for the simulated blood, so that the simulated blood flows from the blood flow power module, passes through the compliance module and the water storage pool module, and returns to the blood flow power module; the gas pipeline part of the pipeline module connects the blood flow pressure regulating module and the water storage pool module; the control module controls the blood flow power module to push the simulated blood out into the liquid pipeline part, and then the simulated blood flows into the water storage pool module and the blood flow power module to complete a cycle. The application has the advantages of providing a general blood flow simulation system, reasonable system design, clear module division, convenient disassembly and assembly, high economy and convenience, high reduction degree, simulation of real and stable advantages, and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical devices, and in particular to a blood flow simulation system. Background Technology

[0002] Existing systems or devices for simulating blood flow mainly include:

[0003] For example, the devices disclosed in references CN103622763B and CN111189693A that simulate valve blood flow for valve fatigue testing apply loads to the valve components through motion control of one or more motors, causing them to open or close. Simultaneously, pressure closed-loop control satisfies the conditions for valve fatigue testing. However, such devices have significant limitations in application, with a narrow scope suitable only for a specific product or testing purpose, lacking versatility and cost-effectiveness.

[0004] For example, the artificial blood pump circulation system simulating the action of the human left ventricle disclosed in reference CN111429787B is a technical solution for simulating the action of the human ventricle. It imitates the contraction and relaxation process of the left ventricle by connecting and adjusting artificial components such as the left ventricle, aorta, vein, and left atrium. This technical solution can simulate the action of the human ventricle relatively accurately. However, its design focuses on simulating the ventricle rather than simulating blood flow in a specific segment of a blood vessel, and therefore it lacks the ability to simulate a blood vessel with specific blood flow requirements. Furthermore, because the simulated ventricle has a pulsation, it is difficult to simulate the stable and low-pressure conditions of veins.

[0005] The device for simulating carotid artery blood flow disclosed in reference CN116312181A involves controlling the reciprocating motion of a plunger inside a volumetric pump via a motor, supplying simulated blood fluid to a blood simulation reservoir, and using a four-way valve to circulate the simulated blood fluid, thus outputting it to the carotid artery phantom to simulate pulsating blood flow in the carotid artery. However, this design can only simulate a specific artery, limiting its application. Furthermore, relying solely on a motor and volumetric pump to simulate carotid artery pulsation, the blood simulation reservoir lacks pressure stabilization capabilities, and the system lacks a module for adjusting the compliance of the simulated blood vessel, making it difficult to achieve a truly realistic simulation.

[0006] Therefore, in order to solve the problems of the narrow applicability, lack of universality and economy of existing technologies, lack of ability to simulate blood vessels with specific blood flow requirements, and difficulty in achieving more realistic simulation effects, there is an urgent need to provide a universal blood flow simulation system that can simulate different blood flow scenarios in blood vessels of different sizes in animals and can use the same system to provide a testing and verification platform for most vascular medical devices. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems of existing technologies having a narrow scope of application, lacking versatility and economy, lacking the ability to simulate blood vessels with specific blood flow requirements, and having difficulty in achieving more realistic simulation effects. The invention provides a blood flow simulation system to simulate different blood flow scenarios in blood vessels of different sizes in animals, and to provide a testing and verification platform for most vascular medical devices using the same system.

[0008] To achieve this objective, the present invention provides a blood flow simulation system, comprising: a hemodynamic module providing driving force for simulated blood; a blood flow pressure regulating module for adjusting the pressure of simulated blood in pipelines to meet a desired target pressure; a reservoir module for ensuring continuous pressure transmission of simulated blood in pipelines; a compliance module for further assisting in adjusting the pressure of simulated blood in pipelines; a pipeline module providing gas and liquid pipeline sections; an installation module for mounting and locking between the various modules; and a control module for controlling the coordinated operation of the various modules. The liquid pipeline section provides a channel for the simulated blood, allowing it to flow from the hemodynamic module, through the compliance module, into the reservoir module, and finally back to the hemodynamic module. The gas pipeline section connects the blood flow pressure regulating module and the reservoir module. Under the control of the control module, the hemodynamic module pushes the simulated blood into the liquid pipeline section, then into the reservoir module, and finally the simulated blood is drawn back by the hemodynamic module, completing one cycle.

[0009] The hemodynamic module consists of three parts: a power generation section, a power transmission section, and a blood flow output section. The power generation section uses electrical actuators to determine the energy of the simulated blood in the pipeline, mainly affecting the pressure and flow rate. The power transmission section is used to transmit the power generated by the power generation section to the blood flow output section. The blood flow output section delivers the simulated blood into the pipeline in the required manner.

[0010] The blood flow power module uses a servo motor, and the power transmission part uses a linear lead screw guide module with a pitch of 5mm or less.

[0011] When linear motion elements are selected as electrical actuators for the power generation part, the blood flow power module consists of two parts: the power generation part and the blood flow output part.

[0012] The blood flow output section is a container with at least two interfaces: one interface for draining the internal simulated blood into the tubing, and the other interface for replenishing the returning simulated blood.

[0013] The blood flow output section uses a piston-cylinder-like design, with a quick-change inner diameter adjustment sleeve and a corresponding outer diameter piston inside the cylinder to adapt to the flow requirements of different blood flow scenarios.

[0014] The blood flow pressure regulating module can directly act on simulated blood, or it can regulate the pressure of simulated blood in the pipeline by adjusting the pressure of another gas medium and then applying that gas pressure to the simulated blood. The blood flow pressure regulating module includes a pressure generating section, a pressure transmitting section, and a pressure adjusting section. The pressure generating section is used to generate mechanical motion that can compress the gas medium, using electrical actuators. The pressure transmitting section is used to transmit the mechanical motion provided by the pressure generating section. The pressure adjusting section is used to change the compressed gas volume and generate the corresponding pressure.

[0015] The pressure generation part of the blood flow pressure regulation module uses a servo motor, while the pressure transmission part uses a linear lead screw guide module with a pitch of 5mm or less.

[0016] The blood flow pressure regulation module includes a pressure generation section and a pressure adjustment section; the pressure generation section uses linear motion components.

[0017] The pressure adjustment section is a container with a certain volume and at least two ports. One expansion port is connected to the atmosphere or other environment, and the other working port is connected to the gas that comes into contact with simulated blood in the pipeline, forming a closed gas chamber. The two ports are separated by a piston.

[0018] For the electrical actuators in the pressure generation section, a voice coil motor is used when the blood flow pressure changes periodically at a very high frequency.

[0019] The water storage tank module is a container with at least three interfaces. Two of the interfaces are located at the bottom and are used to simulate the entry and exit of blood. The other interface is a pressure connection port located at the top and is used to connect with the corresponding working interface of the pressure adjustment part to form the closed air chamber.

[0020] In the water storage tank module, the interface between the gas and the simulated blood should be located between the two lower interfaces and the upper interface, and the two media should be prevented from entering each other's channels.

[0021] The water storage tank module is made of a transparent material that facilitates observation of the simulated blood interface and features a separate cap design for easy system debugging and simulation of blood.

[0022] The compliance module includes an elastic adjustment section, which uses a traditional spring. One end of the traditional spring is fixed, and the other end has an end cap. The end cap is connected to the liquid surface of the simulated blood outlet in the pipeline, and the liquid surface is raised as the pressure of the simulated blood increases.

[0023] The compliance module can also use a gas spring, which is a section of sealed gas pre-set above a certain outlet liquid surface of the pipeline to simulate blood, and uses the compressibility of gas to achieve the same function as a traditional spring.

[0024] When the blood output section is connected to the liquid pipeline section, a one-way control valve is installed to ensure that the simulated blood in the pipeline flows in one direction.

[0025] Before the simulated blood flows from the liquid pipeline into the water storage tank module, a flow rate regulator is installed to further control the flow rate parameters of the simulated blood in the pipeline.

[0026] In the liquid pipeline section, a sensor is installed between the compliance module and the water storage tank module to detect the fluid parameters of the simulated blood in this section.

[0027] For the liquid piping section, transparent or semi-transparent tubing with a certain degree of flexibility is used to facilitate observation of the internal test conditions.

[0028] The liquid tubing section uses quick-change interfaces and connections, allowing for rapid replacement of tubing of different sizes and specifications to simulate blood vessels and blood flow for different needs.

[0029] The installation module uses a quick-release and quick-replacement design to meet the experimental needs of different blood flow scenarios in blood vessels of different sizes.

[0030] The control module employs an integrated controller, PLC, or microcontroller. For scenarios with high-frequency changes in blood flow, a specialized motion control board is required to achieve complex motion control.

[0031] The control module has a data acquisition card, which is used to collect feedback data from the sensors installed in the above modules. The data is then processed by the main controller and reflected in the commands to the hemodynamic module and the blood flow pressure regulation module, forming a closed-loop control.

[0032] The present invention aims to solve three problems:

[0033] First, it addresses the problem that some existing technologies have a narrow applicability, only suitable for a certain product or a certain testing purpose, and lack versatility and cost-effectiveness.

[0034] The solution to this problem in this invention is as follows: (1) The hemodynamic module uses a design with a quick-change inner diameter adjusting sleeve and a corresponding outer diameter piston; (2) The water tank module adopts a split-type cover design to facilitate the addition of liquid and adjustment of the volume of the closed air chamber during system debugging; (3) The compliance module uses a gas spring, which can quickly adjust the volume of the closed gas, i.e., adjust the softness and hardness of the gas spring; (4) The liquid pipeline section adopts quick-change interfaces and connections for quick replacement of pipelines of different sizes and specifications; (5) The installation module uses quick-disassembly and quick-change designs to quickly replace certain key parts; (6) The control module uses a professional control board with UI design to quickly switch motion programs. Therefore, this invention can universally adapt to the simulation requirements of different blood flow scenarios and is also economical.

[0035] Second, it addresses the problem that some existing technologies focus on simulating the ventricle but lack the ability to simulate blood vessels with specific blood flow requirements, particularly veins with stable and low pressure.

[0036] The solution to this problem in this invention is as follows: (1) Various sensors are installed on the main test section of the pipeline module to directly detect the various fluid parameters of the simulated blood in this section for closed-loop control; instead of detecting the hemodynamic module to simulate the ventricle; (2) By changing the motor speed of the hemodynamic module (reducing the output speed), reducing the inner diameter of the adjusting sleeve to reduce the output blood flow, reducing or even shielding the elasticity of the compliance module, adjusting the flow rate regulator in the pipeline module to a smaller size, increasing the volume of the closed air chamber in the reservoir module to obtain a larger gas compression buffer space, stabilizing the blood pressure by adjusting the movement rate of the two motors of the hemodynamic module and the blood flow pressure regulating module during synchronous liquid return, and replacing the pipe material with the simulated vein size; combined with the closed-loop control of the control system, the ability to simulate venous blood flow scenarios can be easily met.

[0037] Third, it addresses the problem that some existing technologies struggle to achieve more realistic simulation effects.

[0038] The solution to this problem in this invention is as follows: (1) The system has a compliance module and a control module that can achieve advanced control, which can simulate the elasticity of blood vessels and use high-response motion control to reflect the details of blood flow; (2) The fluid data of the main test section is fed back by sensors, processed by the main controller and reflected in the control commands of the hemodynamic module and the blood flow pressure regulation module, forming a closed-loop control. In addition to diastolic and systolic pressure, the blood flow pressure-time curve of the test section can also simulate dicrotic waves / falling mid-waves, which are very close to the real world.

[0039] The beneficial effects of this invention are that it provides a new, universal blood flow simulation system. Through modular design, multiple quickly replaceable components, various sensors, and programmable logic controller (PLC) control, this system can simulate different blood flow scenarios in blood vessels of different sizes in animals. It can provide a testing and verification platform for most vascular medical devices using the same system, enabling functional testing of interventional products, implantation process testing of implantable products, fatigue testing, etc. The system has a reasonable design, clear module division for easy assembly and disassembly, and is highly economical and easy to use. Furthermore, through its sophisticated design, the system can monitor and adjust parameters such as the volume and pressure of blood flow dynamics, the velocity, flow rate, pressure, and vascular compliance (hardness / softness) of the main test section of the blood vessel in real time. Through closed-loop control, it exhibits high fidelity and stability in simulating pulsatile blood flow scenarios with periodic pressure changes, as well as blood flow scenarios with low and stable pressure and velocity.

[0040] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0041] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a blood flow simulation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a top view of a blood flow simulation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a hemodynamic module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the blood output section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the blood flow output section according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the blood output section according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the blood flow output section according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a blood flow pressure regulating module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure adjustment section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure adjustment section according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a water storage tank module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a water storage tank container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 13This is a schematic diagram of a water storage tank container according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a compliance module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a compliance module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram illustrating simulated blood flow according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 17 This is a blood flow pressure-time curve according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0060] The present invention will now be described in further detail so that those skilled in the art can implement it based on the description.

[0061] First, please refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, a blood flow simulation system 1 is presented, which mainly includes five important modules: blood flow dynamics module 2, blood flow pressure regulation module 3, water storage tank module 4, compliance module 5, and pipeline module 6. The system should also include an installation module and a control module. The installation module includes mechanical components, represented by the base plate 7, used for the installation, clamping, and locking of other modules. The control module is used to collect and process various sensor signals and control the electrical components in each module.

[0062] The mounting module uses the base plate 7 as a reference to fix the other modules in specific positions. In one embodiment, the mounting module is also integrated into the other modules, employing numerous quick-disassembly and replacement designs, such as: guide rail fixing plates 225 and 325, limit blocks 226 and 326, pressure regulating vessel fixing plate 334, pipeline quick connectors, etc.; it also employs numerous adjustable designs, such as: adjusting sleeve 239, elastic adjusting piston 511, elastic adjusting part mounting plate 522, etc., which will not be described in detail here.

[0063] In one embodiment, the control module uses a motion control card from Googol to control the servo motors in the hemodynamic module 2 and the blood flow pressure regulation module 3; and uses an Altair data acquisition card to collect all sensor data and feed it back to the motion control card for closed-loop control.

[0064] Then please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a top view of a blood flow simulation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 To better showcase the layout, connection, and interrelationships of each module. Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is merely one example demonstrating a preferred module arrangement; the actual arrangement of each module can be adjusted spatially according to requirements.

[0065] The system's connection and principles are as follows Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the mounting module represented by the base plate 7 carries all other modules, while the piping module 6 connects most of the modules.

[0066] Then please refer to Figure 3 ,like Figure 3 As shown, the blood flow power module 2 consists of a power generation section 21, a power transmission section 22, and a blood flow output section 23. In this embodiment, the power generation section 21 is a servo motor. In the power transmission section 22, the coupling 221 is connected to the output shaft of the servo motor of the power generation section 21, causing the ball screw 222 to rotate, which is then converted into the linear motion of the slider 223. The guide rail fixing plate 225 is used to fix the entire linear module, and the limiting block 226 is located at one end to limit the extreme movement position of the slider. The connecting block 224 is fixed on the slider 223 and also connects to the blood flow output section 23.

[0067] Then please refer to Figures 4 to 7 , Figures 4 to 7 This is a schematic diagram of the blood output section according to different embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment, the blood output section 23 has a piston-like structure. Figure 4 and Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, one end of the power piston rod 231 is connected to the connecting block 224, and the other end is connected to the power piston 232. The power piston rod 231 can perform linear radial movement through the hole at the tail of the output container 233, thereby driving the power piston 232 to slide within the inner cavity of the output container 233. A sealing ring is embedded on the power piston 232 to ensure no liquid leakage during sliding. The blood flow output head 234 is connected to the output container 233 by threads and a sealing ring. It has three interfaces: the blood flow output port 234A is the liquid outlet, the blood flow input port 234B is the liquid return port, and the expansion interface 234C can be used to connect plugs, pressure sensors, etc. When the power piston 232 moves forward, the liquid in the inner cavity of the output container 233 is pushed out from the blood flow output port 234A. When the power piston 232 moves backward, the liquid flows back into the inner cavity of the output container 233 from the blood flow input port 234B.

[0068] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the blood flow output section 23, which is different from... Figure 4 and Figure 5 An adjusting sleeve 239 was added to change the internal dimensions of the output container 233. The adjusting sleeve 239 and the inner wall of the output container 233 are sealed together using a sealing ring, and the blood flow output head 234 presses and fixes the adjusting sleeve 239 within the internal cavity of the output container 233. The power piston 232 needs to be modified to slide within the internal cavity of the adjusting sleeve 239. The blood flow rate for each push or return is determined by the product of the area of ​​the power piston 232 and the travel distance of the power piston rod 231.

[0069] Then please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a blood flow pressure regulation module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 As shown, the blood flow pressure regulating module 3 consists of a pressure generating section 31, a pressure transmitting section 32, and a pressure adjusting section 33. In this embodiment, the pressure generating section 31 is a servo motor. In the pressure transmitting section 32, the coupling 321 is connected to the output shaft of the servo motor of the pressure generating section 31, causing the ball screw 322 to rotate, which is then converted into the linear motion of the slider 323. The guide rail fixing plate 325 is used to fix the entire linear module, and the limit 326 is located at one end to limit the extreme movement position of the slider. The connecting block 324 is fixed on the slider 323, and a connecting rod 327 is installed to connect the pressure adjusting section 33.

[0070] Then please refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure adjustment section according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9As shown, the pressure adjustment part 33 in one embodiment has a structure similar to a cylinder. The pressure regulating module base plate 331 is used to adjust the height so that the pressure regulating piston 332 and the connecting rod 327 are installed coaxially, and the pressure regulating container fixing plate 334 fixes the pressure regulating container 333.

[0071] Then please refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure adjustment section according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the pressure regulating vessel 333 has two interfaces.

[0072] Then please refer to Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a water storage tank module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 As shown, the core of the water storage tank module 4 is the water storage tank container 41, which is made of acrylic in this embodiment. The water storage tank fixing plate 42 is used to fix the water storage tank container 41 in a specific position.

[0073] Then please refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a water storage tank container according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the pressure regulating container working interface 333A is used to connect to the pressure connection port 41C of the water storage tank container 41, forming a "closed air chamber" with the air inside the pressure regulating container 333 and the air above the water storage tank container 41. The pressure regulating container expansion interface 333B is generally used to connect to the atmosphere, but in some special cases, it can also connect to a pressure stabilizing tank, etc. The linear movement of the pressure regulating piston 332 can compress or expand the volume of gas in the "closed air chamber", thereby adjusting the air pressure according to Boyle's Law. This air pressure acts on the liquid surface in the water storage tank container 41, and together with the pressure generated by the vertically placed liquid, the pressure of the liquid in the pipeline is obtained by force balance.

[0074] In one embodiment, the water storage container 41 is integrally formed, consisting of a sealed container with three ports. In another embodiment, the water storage container 41 is a separate unit, assembled from a container and a water storage cover plate 41D. Regardless of the design, the water storage container 41 contains three ports, and is completely sealed except for these three ports. The blood inlet 41A is connected to the liquid pipeline section 61, through which liquid enters; the blood outlet 41B is also connected to the liquid pipeline section 61, through which liquid flows out; both ports are located at the lower part of the water storage container 41, preferably at the same level as the pipeline to avoid additional pressure differences caused by elevation differences. The pressure connection port 41C is located at the upper part of the water storage container 41, connected to the gas pipeline section 62, and connected to the pressure regulating container working interface 333A, forming a "closed gas chamber"; the pressure connection port 41C should never come into contact with the liquid.

[0075] The reservoir container 41 contains liquid 43 and gas 44. The gas transmits pressure to the liquid through the interface between the two. Adjusting the position of this interface can adjust the initial volume of the "closed gas chamber", thereby adjusting the pressure response speed / change rate.

[0076] Then please refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15 14 and Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a compliance module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, in one embodiment, the compliance module 5 is designed as a gas spring, and the compliance module fixing part 52 fixes the elastic adjustment part 51 in a predetermined position. Since the compliance module 5 is connected from the bypass of the pipeline and is not part of the main management passage, it can be set at the edge of the entire system. In one embodiment of the compliance module fixing part 52, the entire module is fixed to the edge of the base plate 7 by the longitudinal plate 521, the transverse plate 523, and the base support 524; the elastic adjustment part mounting plate 522 fixes the elastic adjustment part 51 and is mounted on the longitudinal plate 521. Preferably, an adjustable design is adopted so that the elastic adjustment part 51 can move up and down within a certain range to fix it so that the compliance working interface 514 is on the same horizontal plane as the pipeline, avoiding additional pressure difference caused by height difference.

[0077] The elastic adjustment section 51 is the part that mainly provides compliance. In one embodiment, the gas volume of the gas spring is provided by the elastic adjustment container 513 and connected to the pipeline through the compliance working interface 514. The elastic adjustment piston 511 can slide in a sealed manner inside the elastic adjustment container 513, but it is fixed relative to the elastic adjustment container 513 during actual operation. Its position determines the size of the gas volume of the gas spring, i.e., the "elasticity". The cover plate 512 is fixed on the elastic adjustment container 513, has a hole in the middle to allow the elastic adjustment piston 511 to pass through, and can lock the position of the elastic adjustment piston 511 to set a certain compliance.

[0078] Then please refer to Figure 16 , Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram illustrating simulated blood flow according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 As shown, pipeline module 6 is divided into a liquid pipeline section 61 and a gas pipeline section 62. The liquid pipeline section 61 of pipeline module 6 is sequentially connected to the hemodynamic module 2, the compliance module 5, and the reservoir module 4. Simulated blood, as shown by the dotted line, flows sequentially through the hemodynamic module 2, the compliance module 5, and the reservoir module 4, and finally returns to the hemodynamic module 2. The gas pipeline section 62 of pipeline module 6 is connected to the blood flow pressure regulating module 3 and the reservoir module 4. Under the control of the control system, the hemodynamic module 2 pushes the simulated blood into the liquid pipeline section 61; then it flows into the reservoir module 4. During this process, the blood flow pressure regulating module 3 and the compliance module 5 adjust the pressure to meet the expected requirements; finally, the liquid is drawn back by the hemodynamic module 2 to complete one cycle.

[0079] In another embodiment, the gas pipeline section 62 connects the pressure connection port 41C of the water storage module 4 and the pressure regulating container working interface 333A of the blood flow pressure regulating module 3, forming a "closed gas chamber". The liquid pipeline section 61 mainly uses thin-walled silicone hoses with a certain degree of compliance; the main test section 611 is defined as a spacious and suitable part for experimental operation in the entire system. Quick connectors are arranged at both ends of this section to enable quick replacement of the test pipeline; pressure sensors and flow rate sensors are arranged at various sensor arrangement points 612 to detect various fluid parameters of the main test section 611 and feed them back to the control system for closed-loop control; a flow rate regulator 613 is set before entering the water storage module 4 to adjust the flow rate and velocity of the liquid; a control valve 614, preferably a one-way valve, is set at the connection with the blood flow power module 2 to ensure that the liquid can only flow out from the blood flow output port 234A and return to the blood flow power module 2 from the blood flow input port 234B, forming a one-way circulation.

[0080] Finally, please refer to... Figure 17 , Figure 17 This is a blood flow pressure-time curve according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 17 As shown, in an embodiment simulating an artery, the blood flow pressure-time curve of the test segment can simulate dicrotic waves / falling mid-waves in addition to diastolic and systolic pressures, which is very close to the real world.

[0081] Although embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the specification and embodiments. It can be applied to various fields suitable for the present invention. Other modifications can be readily implemented by those skilled in the art. Therefore, without departing from the general concept defined by the claims and their equivalents, the present invention is not limited to the specific details and illustrations shown and described herein.

Claims

1. A blood flow simulation system, characterized in that... The system includes a hemodynamic module that provides driving force for simulated blood; a blood flow pressure regulating module for adjusting the pressure of simulated blood in the pipeline to meet the expected target pressure; a reservoir module for ensuring the continuity of liquid and transmitting pressure within the pipeline; a compliance module for further assisting in adjusting the pressure of simulated blood in the pipeline; a pipeline module providing gas and liquid pipeline sections; an installation module for installing and locking the various modules; and a control module for controlling the coordinated operation of the modules. The liquid pipeline section provides a channel for the simulated blood, allowing it to flow from the hemodynamic module, through the compliance module, into the reservoir module, and finally back to the hemodynamic module. The gas pipeline section connects the blood flow pressure regulating module and the reservoir module. Under the control of the control module, the hemodynamic module pushes the simulated blood into the liquid pipeline section, then into the reservoir module, and finally the simulated blood is drawn back by the hemodynamic module, completing one cycle.

2. The blood flow simulation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The blood flow dynamics module consists of three parts: a power generation part, a power transmission part, and a blood flow output part. The power generation part uses electrical actuators to determine the energy of the simulated blood in the pipeline, mainly affecting the pressure and flow rate. The power transmission part is used to transmit the power generated by the power generation part to the blood flow output part. The blood flow output part delivers the simulated blood into the pipeline in the required manner.

3. A blood flow simulation system as described in claim 2, characterized in that... The blood flow output section is a container with at least two interfaces: one interface for discharging the internal simulated blood into the pipeline, and the other interface for replenishing the returning simulated blood.

4. A blood flow simulation system as described in claim 2, characterized in that... The blood flow output section uses a piston cylinder design, with a quick-change inner diameter adjustment sleeve and a corresponding outer diameter piston inside the cylinder to adapt to the flow requirements of different blood flow scenarios.

5. A blood flow simulation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The blood flow dynamics module consists of two parts: a power generation part and a blood flow output part. The power generation part uses linear motion elements as electrical actuators, which determine the energy of the simulated blood in the pipeline and mainly affect the pressure and flow rate. The blood flow output part delivers the blood flow into the pipeline in the required manner.

6. A blood flow simulation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The blood flow pressure regulating module can directly act on simulated blood, or it can regulate the pressure of simulated blood in the pipeline by adjusting the pressure of another gas medium and then applying that gas pressure to the simulated blood. The blood flow pressure regulating module includes a pressure generating section, a pressure transmitting section, and a pressure adjusting section. The pressure generating section is used to generate mechanical motion that can compress the gas medium, the pressure transmitting section is used to transmit the mechanical motion provided by the pressure generating section, and the pressure adjusting section is used to change the compressed gas volume and generate a corresponding pressure.

7. A blood flow simulation system as described in claim 6, characterized in that... The pressure generating part uses a servo motor, and the pressure transmission part uses a linear lead screw guide module with a pitch of 5mm or less.

8. A blood flow simulation system as described in claim 6, characterized in that... The electrical actuator of the pressure generating section uses a voice coil motor when the blood flow pressure changes periodically at a very high frequency.

9. A blood flow simulation system as described in claim 6, characterized in that... The pressure adjustment section is a container with a certain volume and at least two interfaces. One expansion interface is connected to the atmosphere or other environment, and the other working interface is connected to the gas that comes into contact with simulated blood in the pipeline, forming a closed gas chamber. The two interfaces are separated by a piston.

10. A blood flow simulation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The water storage tank module is a container with at least three interfaces. Two of the interfaces are located at the bottom and are used to simulate the entry and exit of blood. The other interface is a pressure connection port located at the top and is used to connect with the corresponding working interface of the pressure adjustment part to form the closed air chamber.

11. A blood flow simulation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that... In the aforementioned water storage tank module, the interface between the gas and the simulated blood should be located between the two lower interfaces and the upper interface, and the two media should be prevented from entering each other's channels.

12. A blood flow simulation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The compliance module includes an elastic adjustment section, which uses a traditional spring. One end of the traditional spring is fixed, and the other end has an end cap. The end cap is connected to the liquid surface of the simulated blood outlet in the pipeline, and the liquid surface is raised as the pressure of the simulated blood increases.

13. A blood flow simulation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The compliance module uses a gas spring, with a section of sealed gas pre-installed above a certain outlet liquid level in the pipeline simulating blood. The compressibility of the gas is used to achieve the same function as a traditional spring.

14. A blood flow simulation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that... When the blood flow output section is connected to the liquid pipeline section, a one-way control valve is installed to allow the liquid in the pipeline to flow in one direction only.

15. A blood flow simulation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that... Before the simulated blood flows from the liquid pipeline into the water storage tank module, a flow rate regulator is installed to further control the flow rate parameters of the simulated blood in the pipeline.

16. A blood flow simulation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The control module has a data acquisition card for collecting feedback data from the sensors installed in the above modules. The data is then processed by the main controller and reflected in the commands to the hemodynamic module and the blood flow pressure regulation module, forming a closed-loop control.

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