Platinum-Cobalt-Boron Alloy Impeller for Miniaturized Blood Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) face limitations in miniaturization and efficiency due to inadequate magnetic and mechanical properties of their impellers, which hinder further development and clinical application in cardiovascular medicine.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic impeller comprising an alloy with specific proportions of platinum, cobalt, and boron, providing enhanced magnetic, mechanical, and biocompatible properties, allowing for increased efficiency and miniaturization of rotary VADs by eliminating the need for conventional magnet assemblies and support structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional magnet assemblies and support structures are used in VAD impellers, then the device can achieve basic pumping function, but the device size cannot be further miniaturized and surgical invasion must be more invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by creating a platinum-cobalt-boron alloy that combines the high magnetic properties of platinum-cobalt with the structural strength and magnetic coercivity enhancement provided by boron. This composite alloy enables miniaturization while maintaining reliability by providing both the magnetic field strength needed for pump operation and the mechanical durability required for implantable devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifically optimizing the alloy composition ratios (platinum, cobalt, and boron proportions) to achieve the desired balance between magnetic properties and mechanical strength. By adjusting these compositional parameters, the impeller achieves sufficient magnetic response for efficient pumping while maintaining structural integrity in a miniaturized configuration.
2Loss of time
If the impeller is miniaturized to enable less invasive surgical techniques, then patient recovery time is reduced, but the magnetic and mechanical properties become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The platinum-cobalt-boron composite alloy provides both the magnetic properties needed for miniaturized pump operation and the mechanical strength required to withstand implantable device conditions. The boron component specifically enhances magnetic coercivity while the platinum-cobalt matrix provides structural strength, enabling the impeller to maintain durability despite reduced size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the alloy composition specifically in the impeller material to provide enhanced magnetic coercivity and strength where needed, while maintaining overall device miniaturization. The specific platinum-to-cobalt ratio (0.90 to 1.2) with boron addition creates localized material properties that are superior to conventional materials, enabling the miniaturized impeller to withstand mechanical stresses.
3Productivity
If conventional alloy materials are used in the impeller, then manufacturing is simpler, but efficiency between rotor and stator is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the alloy composition parameters (specific ratios of platinum, cobalt, and boron) to achieve superior magnetic properties that enhance efficiency between the rotor and stator. The platinum-to-cobalt atomic percent ratio of 0.90 to 1.2 with 12-14 atomic percent boron creates an alloy with enhanced magnetic response, allowing for more efficient electromagnetic coupling and energy transfer.
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 impeller's superior properties lead to improved efficiency between the rotor and stator, enabling further miniaturization and less invasive surgical techniques, resulting in shorter recovery times for patients with end-stage heart disease.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller comprising an alloy including predetermined amounts of platinum, cobalt, and boron results in an impeller that is highly effective and has superior magnetic, mechanical, and biocompatible properties
Implementation Method 2
a rotary VAD is a blood pump containing an electromagnetically coupled impeller that spins to assist the patient's circulatory system
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic impeller for a blood pump such as a magnetically driven, rotary ventricular assist device for pumping blood of a patient, the impeller comprising a magnetic alloy including platinum, cobalt, and boron.