Implantable Valve Spatial Detection via Asymmetric Magnetic Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional programmable implantable valves for hydrocephalus require precise detection of spatial location and rotation (pitch, roll, and yaw) to adjust settings, but current methods rely on imprecise manual manipulation or harmful x-ray imaging.
Innovation Solution
A system using a permanent-magnet rotor disk with a ring of magnets and 3-axis magnetoresistive sensors to detect spatial location and rotation without x-ray imaging, employing an asymmetrical magnetic field pattern to determine the valve's position and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual manipulation is used to detect spatial location and rotation, then the device is simple to operate, but the measurement precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with a magnetic field-based detection system. A permanent magnet is embedded in the implantable valve, and an external magnetometer detects its position and orientation through the skin without physical contact, thereby improving measurement precision while eliminating the need for manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the implantable valve and the external detection device. The permanent magnet generates a magnetic field that penetrates the skin, allowing the external magnetometer to detect spatial location and rotation indirectly through this field mediator, achieving precise non-contact measurement.
2Measurement precision
If x-ray imaging is used to detect spatial location, then the measurement precision is improved, but harmful factors are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes x-ray imaging with a magnetic field detection system. Instead of using ionizing radiation, a permanent magnet embedded in the implantable valve generates a magnetic field that is detected by an external magnetometer, providing equivalent or superior spatial location precision without harmful radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful x-ray imaging approach into a beneficial magnetic field-based detection system. By using a permanent magnet and magnetometer, the system achieves precise spatial localization while completely eliminating the harmful effects of repeated x-ray exposure, turning a harmful practice into a safe one.
3Measurement precision
If a permanent magnet with ring of magnets is used, then the detection precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetrical arrangement of magnets on the rotor disk, with a unique asymmetric magnetic field pattern created by positioning magnets at specific non-uniform intervals. This asymmetry enables the external magnetometer to distinguish the north-south orientation and detect rotation角度, improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through deliberate asymmetric design.
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 precise detection of spatial location and rotation of the implantable valve, allowing for accurate adjustment of settings without manual manipulation or x-ray exposure, thereby improving safety and efficacy in hydrocephalus treatment.
Implementation Method 1
A permanent-magnet rotor disk associated with the implantable programmable valve and having a plurality of three or more magnets arranged in a ring
Implementation Method 2
A two-dimensional array of 3-axis magnetoresistive sensors for detecting the asymmetric magnetic field pattern
Data Source
AI summary
Detecting spatial location and rotation (pitch, roll and yaw) of an implantable programmable valve device having a direction of flow of fluid therethrough. A permanent-magnet rotor disk associated with the valve has magnets arranged in a ring. A single position within the ring represents a moveable reference marker position. Also included in the valve is a first fixed, stationary, non-moveable magnet disposed a predetermined distance relative to the moveable reference marker position. A magnetoresistive sensor array produces the asymmetric magnetic field pattern including a moveable reference marker corresponding to the moveable reference marker position in the ring and a first fixed reference marker corresponding to the first fixed, stationary, non-moveable magnet. An indicator device determines spatial location based only on the moveable reference marker and yaw based on the moveable reference marker relative to the first fixed reference marker.