Flexible Heart Model for Flow Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing models of the human heart lack the ability to simulate the pumping action and visualize fluid displacement, failing to accurately represent the directional flow through the ventricles and valve function in the circulatory system.
Innovation Solution
A geometrically accurate, flexible liquid-filled heart model that allows users to simulate the pumping action by squeezing, providing visualization of blood flow through transparent walls with particulate suspension, enabling visualization of valve function and fluid dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rigid anatomical heart model is used, then anatomical structure accuracy is improved, but the ability to simulate pumping action and visualize fluid displacement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible transparent walls to enclose the heart chambers, allowing the model to be compressed and expanded manually while maintaining anatomical accuracy. This flexibility enables the simulation of pumping action and fluid displacement without compromising the geometric precision of internal structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The model incorporates a liquid-filled system with particulate matter to simulate blood flow. By manipulating the flexible walls, fluid dynamics are demonstrated through the movement of particles, providing visual representation of pumping action while maintaining anatomical fidelity.
2Loss of information
If transparent walls are used to visualize flow, then educational value is improved, but structural strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses transparent elastomeric materials that combine optical clarity with mechanical strength. These composite materials allow the walls to be both transparent for flow visualization and sufficiently strong to contain pressurized fluid while withstanding manual compression for pumping simulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible transparent walls are designed to be thin enough to allow light transmission for visualization but thick enough to provide structural integrity. The flexibility enables manual compression for pumping action while the material properties maintain sufficient strength to contain the liquid-filled system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the heart model is made flexible for pumping simulation, then functional analogy is improved, but manufacturing precision of internal structures is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heart model into separate anatomical chambers and structures that can be independently molded with high precision. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured with geometric accuracy while the overall assembly maintains flexibility for pumping simulation through manual compression of the flexible enclosing walls.
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 model offers high educational and scientific value by providing a tactile and visual representation of heart function, aiding in understanding anatomical structures and potential medical conditions, while also serving as a stress-relieving toy and platform for demonstrating medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
The transparent quality of the heart model enables flow visualization including visualization of valve function
Implementation Method 2
configured with transparent walls and filled with particulate suspended in liquid, would enable the visualization of simulated of blood flow including fluid dynamic effects as the particulate passes through the flow path
Implementation Method 3
gripping the base of the heart and squeezing with one's hand
Implementation Method 4
provide a means to simulate the pumping action of the heart including a means to displace the volume of fluid within the ventricles
Implementation Method 5
how the valves of the heart work in synch to provide directionally oriented flow through the closed circuit corresponding to the circulatory system
Data Source
AI summary
A circulatory heart model (30) is disclosed that is geometrically accurate with respect to corresponding anatomical structures (31, 91, 103, 112, 124). The model (30) provides a closed loop for providing flow through the major anatomical structures (31, 91, 103, 112, 124) corresponding to a modeled biological heart. The model (30) provides a means of pumping fluid through a closed loop flow circuit analogous to the circulatory system by gripping the base of the heart model (30) and squeezing with one's hand. The transparent quality of the heart model (30) enables flow visualization including visualization of anatomical valve function through representative valves (53, 60, 69, 80). The model (3) provides high educational, scientific, and/or amusement value in a device that is economical to produce.