Adjustable Hydrocephalus Valve Spring Rotor Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrocephalus valves lack precise adjustment mechanisms, leading to inaccuracies and potential unintentional changes in valve settings, especially due to external magnetic fields, which can affect the valve's operation and patient safety.
Innovation Solution
The development of an adjustable hydrocephalus valve with a spring-loaded mechanism that includes a pivoting or rotating rotor with magnets, allowing for external adjustment using a pen-like device, and a two-shell valve cover that generates audible and tactile signals for locking and unlocking, ensuring secure and accurate valve positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a spring-loaded ball valve with rotatable support is used for adjustment, then valve pressure can be adjusted, but the adjustment range is limited and inaccuracies occur due to pivoting movement limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pivoting support with a rotatable rotor that can rotate continuously in both directions. This dynamic change from pivoting (limited to 180 degrees) to rotation (360 degrees or more) resolves the contradiction by providing both unlimited adjustment range and maintained precision through the rotational mechanism with magnetic locking positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the adjustment parameter from angular pivoting (0-180 degrees) to rotational positioning (0-360+ degrees) with multiple discrete magnetic locking positions. This parameter change enables broader adjustment range while maintaining precision through the defined locking positions that prevent unintentional changes.
2Ease of operation
If magnets are used in the rotor for external adjustment, then valve pressure can be adjusted externally, but the valve becomes sensitive to external magnetic fields causing unintentional adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a locking mechanism that actively counteracts external magnetic field interference. The locking element engages with the rotor at specific positions to prevent unintended rotation, thereby preemptively countering the harmful effect of external magnetic fields before they can cause unwanted adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of magnetic field sensitivity into a benefit by using magnetic locking positions. The same magnetic interaction that enables external adjustment is also harnessed to create stable locking positions where magnetic forces hold the rotor in place, preventing unintentional changes while maintaining ease of intentional adjustment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a flattened valve design is used, then bumps on the patient's head are prevented, but the valve structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve body and cover into a single integrated component. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate valve body and cover structures, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining the flattened profile that prevents head bumps. The integrated design achieves both goals simultaneously.
4Ease of operation
If a pivoting part with limited 180-degree movement is used, then the valve can be adjusted, but significant valve changes occur with slight unintentional pivoting movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static pivoting mechanism with limited movement to a dynamic rotational mechanism with continuous movement capability and discrete locking positions. This allows the valve to be adjusted through intentional rotation while the locking positions provide stability against unintentional changes, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements magnetic feedback through the locking mechanism. When the rotor reaches specific angular positions, magnetic forces provide feedback by engaging the locking element, creating stable equilibrium positions. This feedback mechanism ensures that slight unintentional movements are counteracted by the magnetic locking force, maintaining reliability while preserving adjustability.
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 provides precise control over valve pressure, reduces the risk of unintentional adjustments, and enhances patient safety by providing clear feedback through audible and tactile signals, ensuring correct placement and operation of the valve.
Implementation Method 1
The valve pressure is determined by a spring (1), which is adjusted by an adjustment mechanism (17).
Implementation Method 2
The rotor (17) is moved from the outside by a pivoting or rotating movement of an adjustment device (26), which is equipped with magnets (18), so that a locking of the rotor (17) occurs
Implementation Method 3
Several valves are known that are installed in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage line to regulate the CSF pressure. These valves are designed to open at a specific critical pressure, allowing the CSF to drain.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
According to the invention, an adjustable hydrocephalus valve with locking in the selected valve position and unlocking for changing the valve position provides signals for the treating physician when the valve is unlocked and re-locked.