Magnetic drive with flux enhancer for blood pump - Patents.com

Abstract

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to devices, systems, and methods that can include a magnetic drive system for a blood pump. The magnetic drive system can include an impeller, a drive shaft, a driven magnet assembly, a drive magnet assembly, and a magnetic flux enhancer.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to percutaneous circulatory assist devices, and more particularly to magnetic drive devices for use in percutaneous circulatory assist devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Percutaneous circulatory assist devices, such as blood pumps, typically use a motor to drive an impeller assembly to provide flow through the device, and a magnet assembly may also be used in conjunction with such motors and assemblies to facilitate operation of the device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In Example 1, in a magnetic drive system for a blood pump, the magnetic drive system includes an impeller, a drive shaft, a driven magnet assembly, and a drive magnet assembly configured to drive the driven magnet assembly, and at least one of the driven magnet assembly and the drive magnet assembly includes a magnetic flux enhancing portion.

[0004] In Example 2, in the magnetic drive system of Example 1, the magnetic flux enhancing portion includes a soft magnetic material. In Example 3, in the magnetic drive system of Example 2, the driven magnet assembly includes a first flux reinforcement portion and the drive magnet assembly includes a second flux reinforcement portion.

[0005] In Example 4, in the magnetic drive system of Example 3, the driven magnet assembly includes a first cylinder having a proximal end and a distal end, and the drive magnet assembly includes a second cylinder having a proximal end and a distal end.

[0006] In Example 5, in the magnetic drive system of Example 4, the first cylinder includes a first section extending between a proximal end and a distal end and having an arcuate cross-section, a second section extending between the proximal end and the distal end and having an arcuate cross-section, and a third section disposed between the first section and the second section and extending between the proximal end and the distal end.

[0007] In Example 6, the magnetic drive system of either Example 4 or 5, wherein the first flux enhancing portion is disposed at a distal end of the first cylinder and covers at least a portion of the distal end of the first cylinder. In Example 7, in the magnetic drive system of Example 5, the third section of the first cylinder includes a first portion having a first end and a second end, the first end being disposed at a distal end of the first cylinder and extending from the distal end to the second end, and a second portion having a first end and a second end, the first end being disposed adjacent to the second end of the first portion and extending from the first end to a proximal end of the first cylinder, and the first portion of the third section of the first cylinder includes a first magnetic flux enhancing portion.

[0008] In Example 8, the magnetic drive system of Example 7, wherein the second portion of the third section of the first cylinder has an axial length that is approximately twice as long as the axial length of the first portion of the third section. In Example 9, in the magnetic drive system of any of Examples 4 to 8, the second cylinder includes a first section extending between a proximal end and a distal end and having an arcuate cross-section, a second section extending between the proximal end and the distal end and having an arcuate cross-section, and a third section disposed between the first section and the second section and extending between the proximal end and the distal end.

[0009] In Example 10, the magnetic drive system of either Example 4 or 9, the second flux enhancing portion is disposed at a proximal end of the second cylinder and covers at least a portion of the proximal end of the second cylinder. In Example 11, in the magnetic drive system of Example 9, the third section of the second cylinder includes a first portion having a first end and a second end, the first end being disposed at a proximal end of the second cylinder and extending from the proximal end to the second end, and a second portion having a first end and a second end, the first end being disposed adjacent to the second end of the first portion and extending from the first end to a distal end of the second cylinder, and the first portion of the third section of the second cylinder includes a second magnetic flux enhancing portion.

[0010] In Example 12, in the magnetic drive system of Example 4, the driven magnet assembly further includes a third flux reinforcement section and the drive magnet assembly further includes a fourth flux reinforcement section, the first flux reinforcement section and the third flux reinforcement section include side iron members disposed adjacent to opposite magnetic poles on the outside of the first cylinder, and the second flux reinforcement section and the fourth flux reinforcement section include side iron members disposed adjacent to opposite magnetic poles on the outside of the second cylinder.

[0011] In Example 13, the magnetic drive system of any of Examples 1-12, wherein at least one of the driven magnet assembly and the drive magnet assembly includes two or more pole pairs. In Example 14, in a blood pump having a magnetic drive system, the magnetic drive system includes an impeller, a drive shaft, a driven magnet assembly, and a drive magnet assembly coupled to a motor and configured to drive the driven magnet assembly, and at least one of the driven magnet assembly and the drive magnet assembly includes a magnetic flux enhancer.

[0012] In Example 15, in the magnetic drive system of Example 14, the magnetic flux enhancing portion includes a soft magnetic material. In Example 16, in a magnetic drive system for a blood pump, the magnetic drive system includes an impeller, a drive shaft coupled to the impeller and configured to rotate with the impeller, a driven magnet assembly coupled to at least one of the drive shaft and the impeller, and a drive magnet assembly configured to drive the driven magnet assembly, wherein at least one of the driven magnet assembly and the drive magnet assembly includes a magnetic flux enhancer.

[0013] In Example 17, in the magnetic drive system of Example 16, the magnetic flux enhancing portion includes a soft magnetic material. In Example 18, the magnetic drive system of Example 17, wherein the driven magnet assembly includes a first flux reinforcement portion and the drive magnet assembly includes a second flux reinforcement portion.

[0014] In Example 19, in the magnetic drive system of Example 18, the driven magnet assembly includes a first cylinder having a proximal end and a distal end, and the drive magnet assembly includes a second cylinder having a proximal end and a distal end.

[0015] In Example 20, in the magnetic drive system of Example 19, the first cylinder includes a first section extending between a proximal end and a distal end and having an arcuate cross-section, a second section extending between the proximal end and the distal end and having an arcuate cross-section, and a third section disposed between the first section and the second section and extending between the proximal end and the distal end.

[0016] In Example 21, the magnetic drive system of Example 19, the first flux enhancing portion is disposed at a distal end of the first cylinder and covers at least a portion of the distal end of the first cylinder. In Example 22, in the magnetic drive system of Example 20, the third section of the first cylinder includes a first portion having a first end and a second end, the first end being disposed at a distal end of the first cylinder and extending from the distal end to the second end, and a second portion having a first end and a second end, the first end being disposed adjacent to the second end of the first portion and extending from the first end to a proximal end of the first cylinder, wherein the first portion of the third section of the first cylinder includes a first magnetic flux enhancing portion.

[0017] In Example 23, the magnetic drive system of Example 22, the second portion of the third section of the first cylinder has an axial length that is approximately twice as long as the axial length of the first portion of the third section.

[0018] In Example 24, in the magnetic drive system of Example 19, the second cylinder includes a first section extending between a proximal end and a distal end and having an arcuate cross-section, a second section extending between the proximal end and the distal end and having an arcuate cross-section, and a third section disposed between the first section and the second section and extending between the proximal end and the distal end.

[0019] In Example 25, the magnetic drive system of Example 24, the second flux enhancing portion is disposed at a proximal end of the second cylinder and covers at least a portion of the proximal end of the second cylinder. In Example 26, in the magnetic drive system of Example 24, the third section of the second cylinder includes a first portion having a first end and a second end, the first end being disposed at a proximal end of the second cylinder and extending from the proximal end to the second end, and a second portion having a first end and a second end, the first end being disposed adjacent to the second end of the first portion and extending from the first end to a distal end of the second cylinder, and the first portion of the first third section of the second cylinder includes a second flux enhancing portion.

[0020] In Example 27, in the magnetic drive system of Example 19, the driven magnet assembly further includes a third flux reinforcement section and the drive magnet assembly further includes a fourth flux reinforcement section, the first flux reinforcement section and the third flux reinforcement section include side iron members disposed adjacent to opposite magnetic poles on the outside of the first cylinder, and the second flux reinforcement section and the fourth flux reinforcement section include side iron members disposed adjacent to opposite magnetic poles on the outside of the second cylinder.

[0021] In Example 28, the magnetic drive system of Example 16, wherein at least one of the driven magnet assembly and the drive magnet assembly includes two or more pole pairs. In Example 29, in a blood pump having a magnetic drive system, the magnetic drive system includes an impeller, a drive shaft coupled to the impeller and configured to rotate with the impeller, a driven magnet assembly coupled to at least one of the drive shaft and the impeller, and a drive magnet assembly coupled to a motor and configured to drive the driven magnet assembly, wherein at least one of the driven magnet assembly and the drive magnet assembly includes a magnetic flux enhancer.

[0022] In Example 30, the blood pump of Example 29, wherein the magnetic flux enhancing portion includes a soft magnetic material. In Example 31, the blood pump of Example 30, wherein the driven magnet assembly includes a first flux enhancing portion and the drive magnet assembly includes a second flux enhancing portion.

[0023] In Example 32, in the blood pump of Example 31, the driven magnet assembly includes a first cylinder having a proximal end and a distal end, and the drive magnet assembly includes a second cylinder having a proximal end and a distal end.

[0024] In Example 33, in the blood pump of Example 32, the first cylinder includes a first section extending between a proximal end and a distal end and having an arcuate cross-section, a second section extending between the proximal end and the distal end and having an arcuate cross-section, and a third section disposed between the first section and the second section and extending between the proximal end and the distal end.

[0025] In Example 34, the blood pump of Example 32, the first flux enhancing portion is disposed at a distal end of the first cylindrical body and covers at least a portion of the distal end of the first cylindrical body. In Example 35, in a blood pump having a magnetic drive system, the magnetic drive system includes an impeller, a drive shaft coupled to the impeller and configured to rotate with the impeller, a driven magnet assembly coupled to at least one of the drive shaft and the impeller, and a drive magnet assembly coupled to a motor and configured to drive the driven magnet assembly, the driven magnet assembly including a first magnetic flux reinforcement portion and the drive magnet assembly including a second magnetic flux reinforcement portion, the first and second magnetic flux reinforcement portions each including a soft magnetic material, and at least one of the driven magnet assembly and the drive magnet assembly including two or more pole pairs.

[0026] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1]1 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary percutaneous mechanical circulatory assist device (also referred to interchangeably herein as a "blood pump") according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. [Figure 2A] 1 is a top schematic view of an exemplary magnetic drive system according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. [Figure 2B] 2B is a schematic side view of the magnetic drive system shown in FIG. 2A according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. [Figure 3A] 1 is a top schematic view of an exemplary magnetic drive system according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. [Figure 3B] 3B is a schematic side view of the magnetic drive system shown in FIG. 3A according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. [Figure 4A] 1 is a top schematic view of an exemplary magnetic drive system according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. [Figure 4B] 4B is a schematic side view of the magnetic drive system shown in FIG. 4A according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. [Figure 5A] 1 is a top schematic view of an exemplary magnetic drive system according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. [Figure 5B] 5B is a schematic side view of the magnetic drive system shown in FIG. 5A in accordance with an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. [Figure 6A] 1 is a top schematic view of an exemplary magnetic drive system according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. [Figure 6B] 6B is a schematic side view of the magnetic drive system shown in FIG. 6A according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] While the disclosed subject matter is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. However, the invention is not intended to limit the subject matter disclosed herein to the specific embodiments described. On the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein, as defined by the appended claims.

[0029] Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein include magnetic coupling designs that can facilitate an efficient magnetic drive system for circulatory assist devices. According to embodiments, a magnetic flux enhancer is used to focus the magnetic field to enhance the magnetic coupling.

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary percutaneous mechanical circulatory assist device 100 (also interchangeably referred to herein as a "blood pump") according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 1, the circulatory assist device 100 includes a motor 102 disposed within a motor housing 104. The motor 102 is configured to drive an impeller assembly 106 to provide blood flow through the device 100. The impeller assembly 106 is disposed within an impeller assembly housing 108, within which a plurality of outlet openings 110 are defined. According to an embodiment, the motor housing 104 and the impeller assembly housing 108 may be integral with one another. In other embodiments, the motor housing 104 and the impeller assembly housing 108 may be separate components configured to be removably or permanently coupled to one another.

[0031] A controller (not shown) is operatively coupled to the motor 102 and configured to control the motor 102. The controller may be located in the motor housing 104 in embodiments, or may be located outside the housing 104 in other embodiments (e.g., in a catheter handle, a separate housing, etc.). In embodiments, the controller may include multiple components, one or more of which may be located within the housing 104. According to embodiments, the controller may be, include, or be included in one or more Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), one or more Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), one or more Complex PLDs (CPLDs), one or more custom Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), one or more dedicated processors (e.g., microprocessors), one or more central processing units (CPUs), software, hardware, firmware, or any combination of these and / or other components. Although a controller is referred to herein in the singular, a controller may be implemented in multiple instances, distributed across multiple computing devices, instantiated within multiple virtual machines, and the like.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1 , the impeller assembly 106 includes a drive shaft 112 and an impeller 114 coupled to the drive shaft 112, the drive shaft 112 configured to rotate with the impeller 114. As shown, the drive shaft 112 is at least partially disposed within the impeller 114. In an embodiment, the drive shaft 112 may be made from any number of different rigid materials, such as, for example, steel, titanium alloy, cobalt chrome alloy, nitinol, high strength ceramics, etc. The impeller assembly 106 further includes a driven magnet assembly 116 coupled to and at least partially surrounding the drive shaft 112. In an embodiment, the driven magnet assembly 116 may be coupled to the drive shaft 112 and / or the impeller 114. The driven magnet assembly 116 may be any type of magnetic rotor that may be driven by a drive magnet assembly 118 that is part of the motor 102. In this manner, when a magnetic field is applied to the driven magnet assembly 116 by the drive magnet assembly 118 in the motor 102, the driven magnet assembly 116 rotates, causing the drive shaft 112 and impeller 114 to rotate. In an embodiment, the motor 102, drive shaft 112, impeller 114, driven magnet assembly 116, and drive magnet assembly 118 may be referred to as a magnetic drive system.

[0033] As described herein, at least one of the driven magnet assembly 116 and the drive magnet assembly 118 includes a flux enhancer. In embodiments, the driven magnet assembly 116 and / or the drive magnet assembly 118 can include two or more flux enhancers. In addition, the driven magnet assembly 116 and / or the drive magnet assembly 118 can include two or more pole pairs. The flux enhancers can include soft magnetic materials, such as, for example, iron, iron-silicon alloys, nickel-iron alloys, and soft ferrites.

[0034] As shown, impeller assembly 106 is maintained in its orientation by drive shaft 112, which is carried at a first end 120 by a first bearing assembly 122 and at a second end 124 by a second bearing assembly 126. According to embodiments, first bearing assembly 122 and second bearing assembly 126 may include different types of bearings. According to embodiments, first bearing assembly 122 and / or second bearing assembly 126 may include lubrication, while in other embodiments, one and / or the other may not include lubrication.

[0035] The exemplary circulatory assist device 100 shown in Figure 1 is not intended to suggest any limitations as to the scope of use or functionality of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Nor should the exemplary circulatory assist device 100 be interpreted as having any dependencies or requirements relating to any single component or combination of components illustrated therein. Moreover, the various components illustrated in Figure 1 may be combined in embodiments with various of the other components shown in the embodiments (and / or components not shown), all of which are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 2A shows a schematic top view of an exemplary magnetic drive system 200 according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein, and Figure 2B shows a schematic side view of the magnetic drive system 200 shown in Figure 2A according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. According to an embodiment, the magnetic drive system 200 and / or any number of various components thereof may be the same as or similar to corresponding components of the circulatory assist device 100 shown in Figure 1.

[0037] 2A and 2B, the magnetic drive system 200 includes a driven magnet assembly 202 configured to be driven by a drive magnet assembly 204. According to an embodiment, the driven magnet assembly 202 and the drive magnet assembly 204 can each include any number of pole pairs (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc.). The driven magnet assembly 202 includes a first cylindrical body 206 having a proximal end 208 and a distal end 210. Similarly, the drive magnet assembly 204 includes a second cylindrical body 212 having a proximal end 214 and a distal end 216.

[0038] The first cylinder 206 includes a first section 218 extending between the proximal end 208 and the distal end 210 and having an arcuate cross-section, a second section 220 extending between the proximal end 208 and the distal end 210 and having an arcuate cross-section, and a third section 222 disposed between the first section 218 and the second section 220 and extending between the proximal end 208 and the distal end 210. As shown, the first section 218 can include a permanent magnet having a magnetic field oriented in a proximal direction, while the second section 220 can include a permanent magnet having a magnetic field oriented in a distal direction.

[0039] 2B, the third section 222 of the first cylinder 206 includes a first portion 224 having a first end 226 and a second end 228, where the first end 226 is disposed at the distal end 210 of the first cylinder 206. The first portion 224 extends from the distal end 210 of the first cylinder 206 to the second end 228. The third section 222 of the first cylinder 206 also includes a second portion 230 having a first end 232 and a second end 234, where the first end 232 is disposed adjacent to the second end 228 of the first portion 224. The second portion 230 extends from the first end 232 to the proximal end 208 of the first cylinder 206.

[0040] In an embodiment, the first portion 224 of the third section 222 of the first cylinder 206 may be or may include a first magnetic flux enhancing portion. For example, the first portion 224 may be a portion of a soft magnetic material. The size (e.g., volume, length and / or other dimensions) of the first portion 224 of the third section 222 of the first cylinder 206 may be designed to maximize the magnetic flux through the first portion 224 to maximize, optimize or otherwise facilitate magnetic coupling between the driven magnet assembly 202 and the drive magnet assembly 204. For example, in an embodiment, the second portion 230 of the third section 222 of the first cylinder 206 has an axial length 236 that is approximately two times longer than the axial length 238 of the first portion 224 of the third section 222. The second portion 230 of the third section 222 includes a non-magnetic material.

[0041] Similar to the driven magnet assembly 202 as described above, the drive magnet assembly 204 includes a second cylinder 212 having a proximal end 214 and a distal end 216. The second cylinder 212 includes a first section 240 extending between the proximal end 214 and the distal end 216 and having an arcuate cross-section, a second section 242 extending between the proximal end 214 and the distal end 216 and having an arcuate cross-section, and a third section 244 disposed between the first section 240 and the second section 242 and extending between the proximal end 214 and the distal end 216. As shown, the first section 240 can include a permanent magnet having a magnetic field oriented in a proximal direction, while the second section 242 can include a permanent magnet having a magnetic field oriented in a distal direction. In this manner, as the drive magnet assembly 204 rotates and moves in a direction such that each magnetic pole aligns with the opposite magnetic pole associated with a section of the driven magnet assembly 202, the drive magnet assembly 204 causes the driven magnet assembly 202 to rotate.

[0042] 2B , the third section 244 of the second barrel 212 includes a first portion 246 having a first end 248 and a second end 250, where the first end 248 is disposed at the proximal end 214 of the second barrel 212. The first portion 246 extends from the proximal end 214 of the second barrel 212 to the second end 250. The third section 244 of the second barrel 212 also includes a second portion 252 having a first end 254 and a second end 256, where the first end 254 is disposed adjacent the second end 250 of the first portion 246. The second portion 252 extends from the first end 254 to the distal end 216 of the second barrel 212.

[0043] In an embodiment, the first portion 246 of the third section 244 of the second cylinder 212 may be or may include a second magnetic flux enhancing portion. For example, the first portion 246 may be a portion of a soft magnetic material. The size (e.g., volume, length and / or other dimensions) of the first portion 246 of the third section 244 of the second cylinder 212 may be designed to maximize the magnetic flux through the first portion 246 to maximize, optimize or otherwise facilitate magnetic coupling between the driven magnet assembly 202 and the drive magnet assembly 204. For example, in an embodiment, the first portion 246 and the second portion 252 of the third section 244 of the second cylinder 212 may have the same or similar length ratio as the corresponding portions of the first cylinder 206. The second portion 252 of the third section 244 includes a non-magnetic material.

[0044] According to embodiments, as described above, the driven magnet assembly 202 and / or the drive magnet assembly 204 can include more than one pole pair. That is, for example, each cylinder can include multiple sections, with each pair of sections having opposite magnetic poles and a flux enhancer disposed between them. Thus, in embodiments, each section can have a cross-section that is a shape other than arcuate, such as, for example, a pie slice shape. In some embodiments, each section can be cylindrical. For ease of manufacture, in embodiments, the cylinder of the magnet assembly can be made of a non-magnetic material and can include chambers defined therein in which the magnets are disposed. The flux enhancers (portions of soft magnetic material) can be disposed in other chambers disposed between adjacent pairs of magnet chambers.

[0045] The exemplary magnetic drive system 200 shown in Figures 2A and 2B is not intended to suggest any limitations as to the scope of use or functionality of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Nor should the exemplary magnetic drive system 200 be interpreted as having any dependencies or requirements relating to any single component or combination of components illustrated therein. Furthermore, the various components illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B can be combined in embodiments with various of the other components shown in the embodiments (and / or components not shown), all of which are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0046] In an embodiment, the magnetic flux enhancer can be located at the end of the cylinder. Figure 3A shows a top schematic view of an exemplary magnetic drive system 300 according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein, and Figure 3B shows a schematic side view of the magnetic drive system shown in Figure 3A according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. According to an embodiment, the magnetic drive system 300 and / or any number of various components thereof can be the same as or similar to corresponding components of the circulatory assist device 100 shown in Figure 1.

[0047] 3A and 3B, the magnetic drive system 300 includes a driven magnet assembly 302 configured to be driven by a drive magnet assembly 304. According to an embodiment, the driven magnet assembly 302 and the drive magnet assembly 304 can each include any number of pole pairs (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc.). The driven magnet assembly 302 includes a first cylindrical body 306 having a proximal end 308 and a distal end 310. Similarly, the drive magnet assembly 304 includes a second cylindrical body 312 having a proximal end 314 and a distal end 316.

[0048] The first cylinder 306 includes a first section 318 extending between the proximal end 308 and the distal end 310 and having an arcuate cross-section, a second section 320 extending between the proximal end 308 and the distal end 310 and having an arcuate cross-section, and a third section 322 disposed between the first section 318 and the second section 320 and extending between the proximal end 308 and the distal end 310. As shown, the first section 318 can include a permanent magnet having a magnetic field oriented in a proximal direction, while the second section 320 can include a permanent magnet having a magnetic field oriented in a distal direction. The third section 322 can be formed from a non-magnetic material.

[0049] Similarly, the second cylinder 312 includes a first section 324 extending between the proximal end 314 and the distal end 316 and having an arcuate cross-section, a second section 326 extending between the proximal end 314 and the distal end 316 and having an arcuate cross-section, and a third section 328 disposed between the first section 324 and the second section 326 and extending between the proximal end 314 and the distal end 316. As shown, the first section 324 can include a permanent magnet having a magnetic field oriented in a proximal direction, while the second section 326 can include a permanent magnet having a magnetic field oriented in a distal direction. The third section 328 can be formed from a non-magnetic material.

[0050] A first flux enhancing portion 330 may be disposed at the distal end 310 of the first cylinder 306 and may cover at least a portion of the distal end 310 of the first cylinder 306. Similarly, a second flux enhancing portion 332 may be disposed at the proximal end 314 of the second cylinder 312 and may cover at least a portion of the proximal end 314 of the second cylinder 312. The flux enhancing portions 330 and 332 may be, for example, disks made from a soft magnetic material.

[0051] According to embodiments, as described above, the driven magnet assembly 302 and / or the drive magnet assembly 304 can include more than one pole pair. That is, for example, each cylinder can include multiple sections, with each pair of sections having opposite magnetic poles and a flux enhancer disposed therebetween. Thus, in embodiments, each section can have a cross-section that is a shape other than arcuate, such as, for example, a pie slice shape. In some embodiments, each section can be cylindrical. For ease of manufacturing, in embodiments, the cylinder of the magnet assembly can be made of a non-magnetic material and can include a chamber defined therein in which the magnet is disposed.

[0052] The exemplary magnetic drive system 300 shown in Figures 3A and 3B is not intended to suggest any limitations as to the scope of use or functionality of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Nor should the exemplary magnetic drive system 300 be interpreted as having any dependencies or requirements relating to any single component or combination of components illustrated therein. Furthermore, the various components illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B can be combined in embodiments with various of the other components shown in the embodiments (and / or components not shown), all of which are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0053] In embodiments, the flux enhancers may be provided at the ends of a cylinder configured to have one or more pole pairs with little or no non-magnetic material between each adjacent section. Figure 4A shows a top schematic view of an exemplary magnetic drive system according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein, and Figure 4B shows a schematic side view of the magnetic drive system 400 shown in Figure 4A according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. According to embodiments, the magnetic drive system 400 and / or any number of various components thereof may be the same as or similar to corresponding components of the circulatory assist device 100 shown in Figure 1.

[0054] 4A and 4B, the magnetic drive system 400 includes a driven magnet assembly 402 configured to be driven by a drive magnet assembly 404. According to an embodiment, the driven magnet assembly 402 and the drive magnet assembly 404 can each include any number of pole pairs (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc.). The driven magnet assembly 402 includes a first cylindrical body 406 having a proximal end 408 and a distal end 410. Similarly, the drive magnet assembly 404 includes a second cylindrical body 412 having a proximal end 414 and a distal end 416.

[0055] As shown, the first cylinder 406 includes a first section 418 extending between a proximal end 408 and a distal end 410 and having an arcuate cross-section, and a second section 420 extending between the proximal end 408 and the distal end 410 and having an arcuate cross-section. As shown, the first section 418 can include a permanent magnet having a magnetic field oriented in a proximal direction, while the second section 420 can include a permanent magnet having a magnetic field oriented in a distal direction.

[0056] Similarly, the second cylinder 412 includes a first section 422 extending between the proximal end 414 and the distal end 416 and having an arcuate cross-section, and a second section 424 extending between the proximal end 414 and the distal end 416 and having an arcuate cross-section. As shown, the first section 422 can include a permanent magnet having a magnetic field oriented in a proximal direction, while the second section 424 can include a permanent magnet having a magnetic field oriented in a distal direction.

[0057] A first flux enhancing portion 426 may be disposed at the distal end 410 of the first cylinder 406 and may cover at least a portion of the distal end 410 of the first cylinder 406. Similarly, a second flux enhancing portion 428 may be disposed at the proximal end 414 of the second cylinder 412 and may cover at least a portion of the proximal end 414 of the second cylinder 412. The flux enhancing portions 426 and 428 may be, for example, disks made from a soft magnetic material. The size (e.g., volume, length and / or other dimensions) of the flux enhancing portions may be designed to maximize the magnetic flux through them to maximize, optimize or otherwise facilitate magnetic coupling between the driven magnet assembly 402 and the drive magnet assembly 404.

[0058] According to embodiments, as described above, the driven magnet assembly 402 and / or the drive magnet assembly 404 can include more than one pole pair. That is, for example, each cylinder can include multiple sections, with each pair of sections having opposite magnetic poles. Thus, in embodiments, each section can have a cross-section that is a shape other than arcuate, such as, for example, a pie slice shape. In some embodiments, each section can be cylindrical. For ease of manufacturing, in embodiments, the cylinder of the magnet assembly can be made of a non-magnetic material and can include a chamber defined therein in which the magnet is disposed.

[0059] The exemplary magnetic drive system 400 shown in Figures 4A and 4B is not intended to suggest any limitations as to the scope of use or functionality of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Nor should the exemplary magnetic drive system 400 be interpreted as having any dependencies or requirements relating to any single component or combination of components illustrated therein. Furthermore, the various components illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B can be combined in embodiments with various of the other components shown in the embodiments (and / or components not shown), all of which are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0060] In embodiments, the magnetic flux enhancer may be or include a feature attached to the side of the cylinder. Figure 5A shows a top schematic view of an exemplary magnetic drive system 500 according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein, and Figure 5B shows a schematic side view of the magnetic drive system shown in Figure 5A according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. According to embodiments, the magnetic drive system 500 and / or any number of various components thereof may be the same as or similar to corresponding components of the circulatory assist device 100 shown in Figure 1.

[0061] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the magnetic drive system 500 includes a driven magnet assembly 502 configured to be driven by a drive magnet assembly 504. According to embodiments, the driven magnet assembly 502 and the drive magnet assembly 504 can each include any number of pole pairs (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc.). In other embodiments, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, they can include a single permanent magnet with a magnetic field aligned perpendicular to the drive shaft (not shown). The driven magnet assembly 502 includes a first cylindrical body 506 having a proximal end 508 and a distal end 510. Similarly, the drive magnet assembly 504 includes a second cylindrical body 512 having a proximal end 514 and a distal end 516.

[0062] The driven magnet assembly 502 includes a first flux reinforcement section 518 and the drive magnet assembly 504 includes a corresponding second flux reinforcement section 520. Similarly, the driven magnet assembly 502 further includes a third flux reinforcement section 522 and the drive magnet assembly 504 further includes a fourth flux reinforcement section 524. As shown, the first flux reinforcement section 518 and the third flux reinforcement section 522 are side irons disposed adjacent opposite poles on the exterior of the first cylinder 506, and the second flux reinforcement section 520 and the fourth flux reinforcement section 524 are side irons disposed adjacent opposite poles on the exterior of the second cylinder 512. As shown, the flux reinforcements do not extend the entire axial length of the respective cylinders 506 and 512. The size (e.g., volume, length and / or other dimensions) of the flux enhancing portion can be designed to maximize the magnetic flux through the flux enhancing portion to maximize, optimize or otherwise facilitate magnetic coupling between the driven magnet assembly 502 and the drive magnet assembly 504.

[0063] The exemplary magnetic drive system 500 shown in Figures 5A and 5B is not intended to suggest any limitations as to the scope of use or functionality of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Nor should the exemplary magnetic drive system 500 be interpreted as having any dependencies or requirements relating to any single component or combination of components illustrated therein. Furthermore, the various components illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B can be combined in embodiments with various of the other components shown in the embodiments (and / or components not shown), all of which are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0064] In embodiments, the magnetic flux enhancer may include a permanent magnet instead of a soft magnetic material. Figure 6A shows a top schematic view of an exemplary magnetic drive system 600 according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein, and Figure 6B shows a schematic side view of the magnetic drive system 600 shown in Figure 6A according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. According to embodiments, the magnetic drive system 600 and / or any number of various components thereof may be the same as or similar to corresponding components of the circulatory assist device 100 shown in Figure 1.

[0065] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the magnetic drive system 600 includes a driven magnet assembly 602 configured to be driven by a drive magnet assembly 604. According to an embodiment, each of the driven magnet assembly 602 and the drive magnet assembly 604 can include any number of pole pairs (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc.). The driven magnet assembly 602 includes a first cylinder 606 having a proximal end 608 and a distal end 610. Similarly, the drive magnet assembly 604 includes a second cylinder 612 having a proximal end 614 and a distal end 616. As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, each of the driven magnet assembly 602 and the drive magnet assembly 604 includes a Halbach array.

[0066] The first cylinder 606 includes a first section 618 extending between a proximal end 608 and a distal end 610 and having an arcuate cross-section, a second section 620 extending between the proximal end 608 and the distal end 610 and having an arcuate cross-section, and a third section 622 disposed between the first section 618 and the second section 620 and extending between the proximal end 608 and the distal end 610. As shown, the first section 618 can include a permanent magnet having a magnetic field oriented in a proximal direction, while the second section 620 can include a permanent magnet having a magnetic field oriented in a distal direction. The third section 622 can include a permanent magnet having a magnetic field oriented perpendicular to the magnetic fields of the first section 618 and the second section 620.

[0067] Similarly, the second cylinder 612 includes a first section 624 extending between the proximal end 614 and the distal end 616 and having an arcuate cross-section, a second section 626 extending between the proximal end 614 and the distal end 616 and having an arcuate cross-section, and a third section 628 disposed between the first section 624 and the second section 626 and extending between the proximal end 614 and the distal end 616. As shown, the first section 624 can include a permanent magnet having a magnetic field oriented in a proximal direction, while the second section 626 can include a permanent magnet having a magnetic field oriented in a distal direction. The third section 628 can include a permanent magnet having a magnetic field oriented perpendicular to the magnetic fields of the first section 624 and the second section 626.

[0068] The exemplary magnetic drive system 600 shown in Figures 6A and 6B is not intended to suggest any limitations as to the scope of use or functionality of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Nor should the exemplary magnetic drive system 600 be interpreted as having any dependencies or requirements relating to any single component or combination of components illustrated therein. Furthermore, the various components illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B can be combined in embodiments with various of the other components shown in the embodiments (and / or components not shown), all of which are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0069] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to certain features, the scope of the present disclosure also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to encompass all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that are within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. 1. A magnetic drive system for a blood pump, the magnetic drive system comprising: The impeller, A drive shaft; a driven magnet assembly; a drive magnet assembly magnetically coupled to and configured to drive the driven magnet assembly by being magnetically coupled to the drive magnet assembly; the driven magnet assembly includes a first magnetic flux reinforcing portion and the drive magnet assembly includes a second magnetic flux reinforcing portion, the first magnetic flux reinforcing portion and the second magnetic flux reinforcing portion being made of a soft magnetic material; the driven magnet assembly comprises a first cylinder having a proximal end and a distal end, and the drive magnet assembly comprises a second cylinder having a proximal end and a distal end; the first cylinder includes a first section extending between the proximal end and the distal end and having an arcuate cross-section, a second section extending between the proximal end and the distal end and having an arcuate cross-section, and a third section disposed between the first section and the second section and extending between the proximal end and the distal end.

2. The magnetic drive system of claim 1 , wherein the first flux enhancing portion is disposed at the distal end of the first cylindrical body and covers at least a portion of the distal end of the first cylindrical body.

3. The third section of the first cylinder comprises: a first portion having a first end and a second end, the first end being disposed at the distal end of the first cylinder and extending from the distal end to the second end; a second portion having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second portion disposed adjacent the second end of the first portion and extending from the first end of the second portion to the proximal end of the first barrel; 2. The magnetic drive system of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the third section of the first cylinder comprises the first flux enhancing portion.

4. The magnetic drive system of claim 3 , wherein the second portion of the third section of the first cylinder has an axial length that is twice as long as an axial length of the first portion of the third section.

5. 2. The magnetic drive system of claim 1, wherein the second cylinder includes a first section extending between the proximal end and the distal end and having an arcuate cross-section, a second section extending between the proximal end and the distal end and having an arcuate cross-section, and a third section disposed between the first section and the second section and extending between the proximal end and the distal end.

6. The magnetic drive system of claim 5 , wherein the second flux enhancing portion is disposed at and covers at least a portion of the proximal end of the second cylindrical body.

7. The third section of the second cylinder comprises: a first portion having a first end and a second end, the first end being disposed at the proximal end of the second barrel and extending from the proximal end to the second end; a second portion having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second portion disposed adjacent the second end of the first portion and extending from the first end of the second portion to the distal end of the second barrel; 6. The magnetic drive system of claim 5, wherein the first portion of the third section of the second cylinder comprises the second flux enhancing portion.

8. A magnetic drive system for a blood pump, comprising: The impeller, A drive shaft; a driven magnet assembly; a drive magnet assembly magnetically coupled to and configured to drive the driven magnet assembly by being magnetically coupled to the drive magnet assembly; Equipped with the driven magnet assembly includes a first magnetic flux reinforcement portion and the drive magnet assembly includes a second magnetic flux reinforcement portion, the first magnetic flux reinforcement portion and the second magnetic flux reinforcement portion being made of a soft magnetic material; the driven magnet assembly comprises a first cylinder having a proximal end and a distal end, and the drive magnet assembly comprises a second cylinder having a proximal end and a distal end; the driven magnet assembly further comprising a third flux reinforcement section and the drive magnet assembly further comprising a fourth flux reinforcement section, the first flux reinforcement section and the third flux reinforcement section being made of side iron positioned adjacent opposite magnetic poles on the outside of the first cylinder, and the second flux reinforcement section and the fourth flux reinforcement section being made of side iron positioned adjacent opposite magnetic poles on the outside of the second cylinder.

9. A magnetic drive system for a blood pump, comprising: The impeller, a drive shaft coupled to the impeller and configured to rotate with the impeller; a first bearing assembly disposed proximally from the impeller; a second bearing assembly disposed distally from the impeller; a driven magnet assembly coupled to at least one of the drive shaft and the impeller; a drive magnet assembly configured to drive the driven magnet assembly; at least one of the driven magnet assembly and the drive magnet assembly includes a flux enhancer, and at least one of the driven magnet assembly and the drive magnet assembly includes two or more pole pairs; the driven magnet assembly comprises a first cylinder having a proximal end and a distal end, and the drive magnet assembly comprises a second cylinder having a proximal end and a distal end; the first cylinder includes a first section extending between the proximal end and the distal end and having an arcuate cross-section, a second section extending between the proximal end and the distal end and having an arcuate cross-section, and a third section disposed between the first section and the second section and extending between the proximal end and the distal end.

10. 1. A blood pump having a magnetic drive system, the magnetic drive system comprising: The impeller, A drive shaft; a driven magnet assembly; a drive magnet assembly coupled to a motor and configured to drive the driven magnet assembly; 16. A blood pump comprising: a driven magnet assembly including a first magnetic flux enhancing portion and a drive magnet assembly including a second magnetic flux enhancing portion, the first magnetic flux enhancing portion and the second magnetic flux enhancing portion being comprised of a soft magnetic material; the driven magnet assembly comprising a first cylindrical body having a proximal end and a distal end, the first cylindrical body including a first section extending between the proximal end and the distal end and having an arcuate cross-section, a second section extending between the proximal end and the distal end and having an arcuate cross-section, and a third section disposed between the first section and the second section and extending between the proximal end and the distal end; and the drive magnet assembly comprising the first cylindrical body having the proximal end and the distal end.

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