Heart Prosthesis Bezel Alignment and Snap-Fit Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing heart prosthesis systems lack precision in connecting to natural auricles due to the blind nature of the implantation process in the pericardial cavity, leading to potential misalignment and instability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of fastening means, guide means, and snap-fit mechanisms in the bezels to ensure precise alignment and secure connection of the prosthesis to the natural auricles, allowing for simplified assembly and guaranteed correct positioning even when working blind.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bezels are connected removably to facilitate connection during blind implantation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision and alignment accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The guide means (longitudinal faces and transverse groove) are pre-configured on the bezels to define the correct operative position before connection occurs. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that even during blind implantation, the orifices align precisely when the bezels are connected, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse groove acts as an intermediary element that receives the transverse shaft, serving as a mechanical mediator to establish and maintain the correct relative position between the first and second bezels. This intermediary structure ensures precise alignment of orifices while allowing for easy connection during implantation.
2Productivity
If the connection mechanism is simplified for rapid connection, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability of secure connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: guide means for alignment, fastening means (transverse shaft and groove) for secure mechanical connection, and snap-fit means for final locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving both rapid connection and reliable secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the connection mechanism have different properties optimized for their specific functions: the guide faces provide smooth surfaces for alignment, the transverse groove provides a secure receptacle for the shaft, and the snap-fit elements provide elastic engagement. This local optimization of properties ensures both speed and reliability in the connection process.
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 and stable connection of the heart prosthesis to the natural auricles, ensuring correct alignment and reducing the risk of misalignment and mechanical stress during implantation.
Implementation Method 1
said snap-fit means can comprise elastic hooks carried by one of said bezels, and anchoring means, for anchoring said elastic hooks, carried by the other of said bezels
Data Source
AI summary
Device for rapid connection between a totally implantable heart prosthesis and natural articles. According to the invention, said prosthesis comprises: fastening means (16, 25) for fastening an end of one of the lunettes (2, 3) to the other lunette (3, 2), said fastening means being able to permit folding of said lunettes relative to each other; guide means (10, 11, 20, 21) for guiding said lunettes relative to each other before and during fastening and also during folding; and snap-fit means (19, 26) for engaging said lunettes on each other in the operating position corresponding to the end of said folding.