Artificial Valve With Electromagnetic Actuation for Blood Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial valves for implantation in mammalian blood vessels face challenges in efficiently regulating blood flow and maintaining effective positioning due to limitations in their mechanical and energy management systems, leading to suboptimal performance and potential leakage.
Innovation Solution
The development of an artificial valve with a casing and a closing mechanism featuring a moving part that receives energy from an external energy device, allowing for controlled movement between open, closed, and intermediate positions, utilizing magnets and coils for powered movement and integration with a biasing mechanism to ensure proper positioning and function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an artificial valve uses a mechanical closing mechanism to regulate blood flow, then the valve can open and close the blood flow, but the valve cannot assume positions in between open and closed positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a static mechanical mechanism to a dynamic controllable system. The closing mechanism includes a moving part that can assume multiple positions between fully open and fully closed states, enabling dynamic regulation of blood flow. This is achieved through a control system that receives control signals and adjusts the moving part's position accordingly, allowing the valve to adapt to varying blood flow requirements rather than being limited to binary open/closed states.
2Ease of operation
If the closing mechanism moves between open and closed positions, then blood flow can be regulated, but the moving part requires energy for movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing a purely mechanical actuation system with an electromagnetic actuation system. The closing mechanism includes an actuator that uses electromagnetic fields to move the closing element between open and closed positions, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, springs, or cam mechanisms. This electromagnetic actuation provides precise control with reduced mechanical complexity and lower energy consumption compared to traditional mechanical systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If the valve uses a simple mechanical structure, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the valve performance is suboptimal and potential leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the geometric parameters and material properties of the closing mechanism components. The closing element and seat are designed with specific dimensional parameters that ensure optimal sealing contact when the valve is in the closed position. The control system also adjusts operational parameters such as the position of the moving part and the timing of actuation to maintain reliable sealing. These parameter optimizations enable the valve to achieve high reliability and leak-free operation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that remains manufacturable.
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 precise regulation of blood flow, reduces leakage, and enhances the durability and reliability of the valve by using powered mechanisms and biasing systems, improving the overall performance and longevity of the artificial valve.
Implementation Method 1
the closing mechanism comprises a coil which is adapted to be energized so as to cause said movement of the closing mechanism
Implementation Method 2
the closing mechanism comprises one or more magnets adapted to receive energy from the energy device as a first pulse, said one or more magnets further being adapted to receive one or more additional pulses with a time delay in relation to said first pulse to cause said kinetic movement of said first valve member
Data Source
AI summary
An artificial valve for implantation in a mammal body, in or adjacent to a mammal blood vessel, the artificial valve comprising a casing and a closing mechanism, with at least part of said closing mechanism being a first moving part adapted to make movements relative to said casing. The movements are movements to assume a fully open and a fully closed position for opening and closing, respectively, the blood flow through said blood vessel, as well as at least one position in between said fully open and fully closed positions. The first moving part is adapted to receive energy for at least one of its movements at least in part from an energy device which is also comprised in the artificial valve and arranged to be placed external to said blood vessel.