Catheter Shaft Magnetic Particle Separation Without Flow Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter devices face challenges in effectively separating magnetic particles from fluid flows without hindering or slowing down the flow, especially in applications with sensitive, rapidly rotating shafts, and are unsuitable for aggressive fluids or low flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A catheter device with a rotating shaft made of magnetic material and a separating device featuring an annular body with a magnetic body downstream of the shaft exit, using a magnet surrounded by a permeable solid layer to capture magnetic particles, combined with a valve system for controlling fluid flow and a cavity or reservoir for particle storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical filters are used to filter out unwanted particles, then particle retention is improved, but flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical filtration systems with a magnetic field-based separation system. Magnets are positioned to create magnetic fields that attract and retain magnetic particles without physically blocking the fluid flow path, thereby maintaining low flow resistance while achieving effective particle retention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary mechanism between the fluid and the retention system. The magnetic field acts as a mediator that selectively interacts with magnetic particles to retain them while allowing non-magnetic fluid components to pass through freely, avoiding the flow resistance problems of mechanical filters
2Reliability
If membrane filters are used for particle retention, then particle separation is improved, but conduction resistance increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes membrane filter systems with magnetic field-based retention. Instead of using physical membranes that create conduction resistance, the system uses magnets positioned strategically to create magnetic fields that retain particles without impeding fluid conduction or requiring complex membrane structures
3Reliability
If magnetic filters are used for particle retention, then magnetic particle retention is improved, but device size becomes too large for low flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies magnetic fields locally at critical points in the fluid path rather than using large-scale magnetic filters. By positioning magnets strategically where they can most effectively intercept magnetic particles in low-flow conditions, the system achieves particle retention in a compact form factor suitable for low flow rate applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from using large planar magnetic filter surfaces to positioning magnets in three-dimensional space along the fluid path. This allows the magnetic field to interact with particles throughout the volume of the fluid stream, achieving effective retention with much smaller device dimensions
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
Effectively retains magnetic particles without impeding fluid flow, protecting sensitive components from wear and damage, suitable for aggressive fluids, and allowing easy installation and flushing of the separation device.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic body arranged downstream of a point at which the shaft emerges from the catheter surrounding it, with respect to the direction of flow of the fluid through the catheter
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to, amongst other things, a catheter device comprising a catheter (24) in which a rotating shaft (25) which is made at least partially from a magnetic material is arranged, and a separating device which contains an annular body (27) surrounding the rotating shaft and having a cavity containing a magnetic body (13'), the magnetic body being arranged downstream from a point at which the the shaft (25) exits the catheter (24) which it surrounds with respect to the direction of flow of the fluid through the catheter.