Adjustable Hydrocephalus Valve Gravity Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrocephalus valves fail to reliably adjust pressure settings, leading to unintended adjustments and therapeutic inefficiencies, particularly due to issues with magnetic clamping mechanisms and friction forces, which result in discomfort and complications for patients.
Innovation Solution
A hydrocephalus valve design incorporating a gravity-activated mechanism with a movable closing part and an adjustable gravitation part, utilizing a spring system to neutralize gravitational pressure in reclining positions and allow precise adjustment in standing positions, combined with a magnetically-activated Belleville spring washer for secure adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnetic clamping mechanism is used to secure the rotor, then unintentional adjustment is prevented, but friction forces increase making adjustment difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
A brake is activated before the adjustment operation to secure the rotor against unintentional movement. The brake is subsequently deactivated during adjustment to reduce friction, and reactivated after adjustment to secure the new position. This preliminary and subsequent activation of the brake resolves the contradiction by timing the clamping action to prevent unintended adjustment while minimizing interference with the intended adjustment operation.
2Shape
If a flat valve construction is used to minimize bumps on the patient's head, then cosmetic appearance is improved, but the valve mechanism becomes more complex to achieve secure clamping without unintended rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into distinct functional segments: a housing containing the valve mechanism, a separate rotor for adjustment, and an integrated brake system. This segmentation allows the flat overall shape to be maintained while incorporating complex internal mechanisms for secure clamping and controlled adjustment without unintended rotation.
3Reliability
If friction forces are increased to prevent rotor movement, then security against unintended adjustment is improved, but the ability to perform intended adjustment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The brake is activated and deactivated periodically during the adjustment process. It is activated before adjustment to secure the rotor, deactivated during adjustment to enable rotor movement, and activated after adjustment to secure the new position. This periodic action resolves the contradiction by applying friction forces only when needed for security, while allowing adjustment capability when required.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables reliable and precise adjustment of valve pressure, reducing the risk of unintended changes and improving therapeutic outcomes by maintaining appropriate drainage in various patient positions, thus minimizing discomfort and complications.
Implementation Method 1
a spring system which is adjustable so that the spring load compensates for gravity when the patient is in the reclining position
Implementation Method 2
a magnetically-activated Belleville spring washer for secure adjustment
Implementation Method 3
a movable gravitation part which forms an adjustable load for the closing part
Data Source
AI summary
Hydrocephalus valves, the valve pressure of which, when the patient is in the standing position, is determined at least partly by the weight of an additional gravitation part, are provided with an adjustable spring which partly or fully neutralizes the action of the weight. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.