Compact Prosthetic Valve Tester with Reciprocating Piston
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthetic heart valve testing systems are large and cumbersome, making them inefficient for pulse duplicator and accelerated wear testing, which are crucial for ensuring valve durability and proper fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A compact prosthetic valve testing system with a solid housing featuring a bifurcated main channel for two fluid flow paths, a reciprocating piston, and holding mechanisms for positioning valves, allowing for pulse duplicator and accelerated wear testing within a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pulse duplicator testing and accelerated wear testing systems are used, then comprehensive valve testing can be performed, but the systems become large and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pulse duplicator testing and accelerated wear testing into a single integrated testing system. The unified design integrates multiple testing functions that traditionally required separate large-scale systems, thereby reducing overall system size while maintaining comprehensive testing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system is designed to perform multiple testing functions (pulse duplicator testing and accelerated wear testing) within a single apparatus. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated testing systems, reducing complexity and space requirements while maintaining comprehensive testing coverage.
2Reliability
If extensive connection tubing and pipes are used for valve testing, then proper fluid flow testing can be accomplished, but the system becomes large in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a compact design where testing components are nested within a confined space. The circuitous flow channel is integrated within the housing, and testing components are arranged in a nested configuration that minimizes the external footprint while maintaining adequate fluid flow paths for accurate testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a three-dimensional circuitous flow channel design within the housing rather than extending linearly. By routing the fluid flow path through multiple dimensions within the housing volume, the system achieves adequate flow testing capability without increasing the external footprint of the device.
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 efficient and compact testing of prosthetic valves by simulating heart pumping functions, identifying leakage or migration issues, and improving valve design through pulse duplicator and accelerated wear testing, while being easy to observe and monitor.
Implementation Method 1
The chamber includes a piston moving in a reciprocating motion within the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A testing system for testing a prosthetic valve. The system includes a housing having a main channel defines a circuitous flow path for a fluid. The solid housing also includes a chamber which in turn includes a piston having an opening at the bottom end. The piston moves in a reciprocating motion within the chamber. Further, a holding mechanism, for holding a prosthetic valve, is positioned within the main channel at either or both sides of the chamber, or within the opening in the piston. A user of the device may selectively control a flow path of the fluid between 1). having the fluid flow through the prosthetic valve installed in the piston, and 2). having no fluid passing though the piston.