Modular Pulse Duplicator With Universal Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulse duplicator systems are not versatile enough to perform various types of simulations and testing applications, requiring significant irreversible design changes and being costly to modify for different uses.
Innovation Solution
A modular pulse duplicator system with specialized modules that can be easily rearranged and expanded to simulate different cardiovascular hemodynamic functions, including pump, compliance, resistance, and valve modules, allowing users to design custom simulations using universal connectors and peripheral modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pulse duplicator system is designed for a single specific application, then the system can provide high reliability and precision for that application, but the adaptability and versatility for other applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse duplicator system is divided into separate functional modules (pump module, compliance module, resistance module, valve module, reservoir module) that can be independently assembled and configured. Each module maintains its specialized function while allowing flexible combinations for different simulation applications, resolving the contradiction between reliability for specific functions and adaptability for multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs universal connectors and standardized interface designs that allow the same set of modules to be configured for multiple different cardiovascular simulation applications. The modular architecture enables a single system to serve various purposes including valve testing, stent delivery simulation, and hemodynamic analysis, achieving both reliability and versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modifications are made to use a pulse duplicator for different applications, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity and cost of modification increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into standardized modules with uniform connection interfaces, the patent eliminates the need for complex custom modifications. Users can switch applications by simply rearranging existing modules rather than performing engineering redesigns, significantly reducing modification complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with dynamic reconfigurability, allowing modules to be easily added, removed, or repositioned based on simulation requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability enables adaptability without increasing structural complexity, as the same modular framework supports all configuration changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complete redesign of the pulse duplicator system is performed for new applications, then the adaptability improves, but the loss of time and expense increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular architecture allows rapid reconfiguration by assembling different module combinations rather than performing complete redesigns. Time loss is minimized because users only need to connect and disconnect modules using standardized interfaces, eliminating the lengthy redesign process while achieving full adaptability for new applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system comes with a pre-established library of standardized modules and connection protocols prepared in advance. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming redesign work when switching applications, as users can immediately begin configuring new simulations using pre-engineered components.
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
Enables flexible and reversible simulation of multiple applications without the need for complete redesign, reducing costs and allowing users to easily adapt the system for specific testing and training purposes, such as simulating stent delivery in the coronary sinus.
Implementation Method 1
One of the specialized modules contemplated is a pump module. Contemplated pump module can have an arbitrary waveform pulsatile flow pump to simulate the ventricular function.
Implementation Method 2
Another specialized module contemplated can have a compliance to simulate blood vessel compliance.
Implementation Method 3
Yet another contemplated specialized module can have a user-adjustable flow resistance mechanism in the compliance module, or independently disposed by itself in a separate module, to simulate blood flow resistance.
Implementation Method 4
Further contemplated specialized module can be a valve module to hold a prosthetic valve (e.g., atrial-ventricular or pulmonary/aortic valve) within the system to direct a flow direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A versatile multi-function modular pulse duplicator system having multiple modules each universally and fluidly connected to each other via universal connectors. Each module being detachable from another module and the plurality of modules can be rearranged in different sequence or quantity as the user desires for specifically designed hemodynamic simulations. Some modules have specific functions by having a pump, a compliance chamber, a resistance mechanism, or a fluid reservoir. Optional peripheral modules that simulate anatomical subsystems can be fluidly coupled within this system of modules, allowing studying/training/product demonstration in the subsystem specifically provided, under desired cardiovascular hemodynamics. The use of universal connectors, peripheral modules, and selectively attachable/detachable modules, make this a versatile system where a user can design a simulation according to the specifics needed for product testing, product demonstration, surgical training, teaching and researching.