Orthopedic Simulator Temperature Control via Fluid Circulation Tubing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for precise temperature control in orthopedic device testing to prevent overtemperature-related fluid degradation, which has been difficult to achieve, especially in multi-station testing environments where consistency and accuracy are crucial for maintaining the integrity of biological fluids used in testing.

Innovation Solution

An orthopedic simulator with a temperature control arrangement that utilizes fluid circulation tubing in a heat exchange relationship with specimen baths, coupled with a temperature controller to maintain consistent temperatures across multiple test stations, preventing fluid degradation and ensuring stability and consistency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If electrical heating elements are used to heat the bath, then heating capability is improved, but risk of overtemperature fluid degradation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebath temperatureVSAvoidfluid degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a heat exchanger as an intermediary device between the heating source and the bath fluid. The heat exchanger transfers thermal energy to the bath through its walls without direct contact between the heating element and the fluid, eliminating the risk of overheating and degradation while maintaining effective temperature control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating system is segmented into separate components: a heat exchanger unit and the bath fluid. This segmentation allows independent control of the heating mechanism from the fluid, enabling precise temperature management and preventing direct thermal damage to the fluid through proper design of the heat exchange interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If temperature control is implemented in multiple test stations, then consistency across stations is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature consistencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the temperature control functions of multiple test stations into a single integrated control system. One controller manages multiple heat exchangers across different stations, coordinating their operation to maintain consistent temperatures throughout. This consolidation reduces the number of independent control units needed while achieving the desired temperature uniformity across all test stations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effectively maintains precise temperature control, preventing fluid degradation and ensuring consistency across multiple test stations, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of orthopedic device testing while reducing costs through the use of a single heater and controller.

Implementation Method 1

fluid circulation tubing in heat exchange relationship with the plurality of baths

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

fluid circulation tubing in heat exchange relationship with the plurality of baths

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS7770446B2Orthopedic simulator with temperature controller arrangement for controlling temperature of specimen baths

Publication Date: 2010.08.10 MTS SYSTEMS CORPORATION

AI summary

An orthopedic simulator is provided with a temperature control arrangement for controlling the temperature of a plurality of baths of test stations that are configured to contain a sample under test within a specimen bath. The temperature control arrangement includes fluid circulation tubing that carries temperature control fluid to the baths to control the temperature of the baths through heat exchange.