Multipart Impeller Housing for Compact Aortic Flow Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable vascular support systems, particularly those in aortic valve position, face challenges with limited installation space and low efficiency due to their small size and design constraints.
Innovation Solution
An impeller housing with a multipart design, comprising a first and second longitudinal portion, a holder for mounting a bearing, and openings for fluid flow, optimized for minimal space usage and high efficiency, using materials like grade 5 titanium and joining techniques to maintain structural integrity and flow efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the pump size is reduced to fit limited installation space in aortic valve position, then the installation space requirement is reduced, but the efficiency of the vascular support system decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The impeller housing is divided into a first longitudinal portion and a second longitudinal portion, allowing the bearing to be positioned in the first portion while maximizing the flow cross-section in the second portion. This segmentation enables optimized space utilization without compromising efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder extends in the longitudinal direction beyond the first longitudinal portion to provide centering functionality, utilizing the longitudinal dimension for alignment rather than requiring additional radial space. This dimensional approach maintains a compact overall size while ensuring proper impeller positioning.
2Volume of moving object
If the pump size is reduced to fit limited installation space in aortic valve position, then the installation space requirement is reduced, but the long-term stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the impeller housing into distinct longitudinal portions allows for optimized structural design in each section, with the first portion dedicated to bearing support and the second portion optimized for flow, ensuring both compact size and structural integrity for long-term stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of grade 5 titanium provides high strength-to-weight ratio, enabling the pump to maintain long-term stability and durability while keeping the overall size reduced for minimal installation space in the aortic valve position.
3Productivity
If a multipart impeller housing design is used to maximize flow cross-section, then the efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into two longitudinal portions that are connected, allowing maximization of the active flow cross-section in the second portion while keeping the bearing in the first portion. This segmentation improves efficiency without requiring complex multi-component assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is integrated with the impeller housing structure, combining the bearing support function and the centering function into a single structural element, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the multipart design benefits for flow optimization.
4Manufacturing precision
If the holder extends beyond the first longitudinal portion to provide centering, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the length of the impeller housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder serves multiple functions: it supports the bearing in the first longitudinal portion and extends to provide centering for the impeller housing. This multi-functionality achieves high centering precision without requiring separate centering components that would increase the overall length.
Solution Approach 2:
The centering function is achieved by extending the holder in the longitudinal direction, utilizing the existing longitudinal dimension rather than requiring additional radial or axial space, thereby maintaining a compact overall housing length while achieving precise centering.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an impeller housing (1) for an implantable, vascular support system (2), at least comprising: an impeller housing body (3) having a first longitudinal portion (4) and a second longitudinal portion (5); —at least one holder (8), which is disposed in the first longitudinal portion (4), wherein the holder (8) is configured such that it can hold a bearing (6) for rotatably mounting an impeller (9) in the center of a cross-section of the impeller housing body (3) through which a fluid can flow, —at least one opening (7) through which liquid can flow and which is disposed in the second longitudinal portion (5) and in a lateral surface of the impeller housing body (3).