Deformable Thrust Bearing Angle for Variable-Speed Blood Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thrust bearings in implantable blood pumps are static and operate at maximum efficiency at a single pump speed, limiting their effectiveness across varying operational conditions.
Innovation Solution
The use of deformable thrust bearings, such as those made from nitinol or piezoelectric materials, which adjust their pocket depth and angle in response to centrifugal forces, allowing for adaptive load management and improved efficiency across different pump speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If static thrust bearings are used, then the structure is simple, but the efficiency is limited to a single pump speed
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust bearing is designed with deformable blades that can dynamically adjust their angle relative to the impeller surface. As pump speed increases, centrifugal forces cause the blades to deform and change their orientation, allowing the bearing to adapt to different operational conditions and maintain efficiency across a wide speed range rather than being optimized for a single speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust bearing utilizes changes in physical parameters (blade angle and orientation) in response to varying pump speeds. The deformable structure allows the bearing geometry to change automatically with speed, transforming the bearing from a static component with fixed parameters to a dynamic component that adjusts its parameters based on operational conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If deformable thrust bearings are used, then efficiency across varying speeds is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable thrust bearing is designed to automatically adjust its configuration in response to centrifugal forces generated during operation. The blades deform passively based on the rotational speed and load conditions, eliminating the need for external actuators, sensors, or control systems. This self-adjusting mechanism achieves adaptability while minimizing the addition of complex external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust bearing employs composite construction with blades made from materials that provide both structural integrity and controlled deformability. This allows the bearing to achieve the necessary flexibility for speed adaptation while maintaining sufficient strength to handle the hydraulic loads, balancing adaptability requirements with structural demands without requiring overly complex designs.
3Reliability
If static thrust bearings operate outside optimal speed, then load increases, but with deformable bearings the load can be managed across speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable thrust bearing dynamically adjusts its blade orientation in response to varying loads and speeds. When operating outside the optimal speed range, the blades deform to optimize the bearing angle, distributing loads more effectively and preventing excessive stress concentrations. This dynamic adaptation maintains reliability across a broader operational envelope compared to static bearings.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust bearing changes its geometric parameters (blade angle and deformation) in response to varying operational conditions. This parameter adjustment allows the bearing to maintain optimal load distribution even when operating speeds deviate from the design point, improving reliability without requiring multiple discrete bearing components for different speed ranges.
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
This solution enables the blood pump to maintain stability and efficiency across a range of speeds without additional components, reducing load on the thrust bearings and enhancing overall pump performance.
Implementation Method 1
the thrust bearing flexes in response to centrifugal forces imparted on the thrust bearing during operating of the implantable blood pump
Implementation Method 2
the thrust bearing includes a piezoelectric element configured to deform in response to an applied electric potential
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable blood pump includes a tube including an inner wall, and wherein during operation of the blood pump, the impeller rotates within the tube and a distance between the inner wall of the tube and the thrust bearing decreases as a speed of the impeller increases.