Hydrocephalus Valve Movable Body Flow Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrocephalus valves lack precise control over cerebrospinal fluid drainage, leading to inconsistent pressure regulation and potential discomfort or complications for patients due to their inability to adapt to individual ventricular system sizes and conditions.
Innovation Solution
A hydrocephalus valve with a movable body and adjustable setting unit that allows for fine-tuned drainage control, enabling the adjustment of outflow speed to match the specific needs of each patient, thereby reducing excess cerebrospinal fluid pressure gradually and preventing overdrainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional hydrocephalus valve is used with fixed drainage characteristics, then the device structure remains simple, but the pressure regulation becomes inconsistent and cannot adapt to individual patient needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable body within the valve housing that can be positioned at different locations along the flow path. This body is adjustable to different positions using an adjustment mechanism, allowing the valve to dynamically change its drainage characteristics. The movable body creates variable flow restrictions that can be tailored to individual patient ventricular system sizes and pressure requirements, transforming a static valve into a dynamic, adaptable device.
2Productivity
If the drainage rate is increased to quickly reduce excess cerebrospinal fluid pressure, then the pressure relief effect is improved, but the risk of overdrainage and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting the position of the movable body within the valve housing to precisely control the flow restriction characteristics. By varying the distance and orientation of the movable body relative to the flow path, the valve can modulate the drainage rate to match specific pressure reduction goals. This allows the system to achieve optimal drainage rates that prevent both under-drainage and overdrainage, eliminating the need to choose between aggressive pressure relief and safe drainage limits.
3Productivity
If the valve opening is made larger to improve fluid flow, then the drainage efficiency increases, but the control precision over outflow speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow control function by dividing the valve interior into distinct regions with the movable body creating multiple flow paths or flow restriction zones. The movable body can be positioned at different locations to create varying degrees of flow restriction, effectively segmenting the overall flow control into multiple adjustable states. This segmentation allows for precise control of outflow speed while maintaining adequate drainage efficiency, as each position provides a specific, controllable flow characteristic.
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 valve provides patient-specific drainage adjustments, improving patient well-being by maintaining optimal cerebrospinal fluid pressure, reducing discomfort, and minimizing the risk of complications associated with inconsistent drainage.
Implementation Method 1
At least one body which is arranged in the housing interior and which is designed to be movable in at least one direction... allows for fine-tuned drainage control, enabling the adjustment of outflow speed
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The invention relates to a hydrocephalus valve for draining fluid from the ventricle systems of patients, said valve having at least one housing with a housing interior; and at least one first passage for admission and/or discharge, and having at least one body provided in the housing interior, said body being designed to move in at least one direction. At least one adjusting unit is provided. The invention aims to improve tried-and-tested existing valves. To achieve this, the adjusting unit is designed to adjust at least one drainage rate in the passage, and to allow the drainage rate to be adjusted between 1 ml per hour and 1000 ml per hour at a pressure at the hydrocephalus valve of 20 cm water column, in order to slow or accelerate, by means of this adjustment, a change in pressure in the ventricle system that results from the drainage.