Fatigue testing system for prosthetic devices
DCFirst Claim
1. A device for simultaneous accelerated cyclic testing of a plurality of valved prosthetic devices comprisinga pressurizable test chamber further comprisinga fluid distribution chamber having a first manifold defining a first plurality of ports configured to receive and fluidicly couple with a first end of each of a respective plurality of sample holders and defining an aperture in a lower face in fluid communication with a pressure source;
- a fluid return chamber having a second manifold disposed opposite and spaced apart from the first manifold of the fluid distribution chamber and defining a second plurality of ports configured to receive and fluidicly couple with a second end of each of the respective plurality of sample holders;
a fluid return conduit both structurally and fluidily connecting the fluid distribution chamber to the fluid return chamber; and
a compliance chamber providing a volume for holding a gas or elastomeric material that compresses under a pressure placed upon fluid in the test chamber and;
allows fluid in the test chamber to occupy a portion of the volume;
a drive motor configured to operate cyclically, acyclically, or a combination of both; and
a fluid displacement member connected with and driven by the drive motor to provide the pressure source that increases and decreases a pressure on fluid in the test chamber;
whereby cyclic and acyclic fluid pressures are maintained throughout the test chamber.
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Abstract
A fatigue testing system provides simultaneous cycle testing for a plurality of prosthetic devices under simulated physiological loading conditions. A plurality of sample holders containing test samples of prosthetic devices is positioned between a distribution chamber and a return fluid chamber to form an integrated test chamber. A reciprocating linear drive motor operates a rolling bellows diaphragm to cyclically pressurize fluid within the test chamber and drive the pressurized fluid through the prosthetic devices being tested. The test chamber defines a return flow conduit in fluid communication with each of the sample holders, the return fluid chamber, and the distribution chamber. Compliance chambers and throttle valves associated with each of the sample holders regulate the pressure gradient and back pressure across the prosthetic devices being tested.
42 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A device for simultaneous accelerated cyclic testing of a plurality of valved prosthetic devices comprising
a pressurizable test chamber further comprising a fluid distribution chamber having a first manifold defining a first plurality of ports configured to receive and fluidicly couple with a first end of each of a respective plurality of sample holders and defining an aperture in a lower face in fluid communication with a pressure source; -
a fluid return chamber having a second manifold disposed opposite and spaced apart from the first manifold of the fluid distribution chamber and defining a second plurality of ports configured to receive and fluidicly couple with a second end of each of the respective plurality of sample holders; a fluid return conduit both structurally and fluidily connecting the fluid distribution chamber to the fluid return chamber; and a compliance chamber providing a volume for holding a gas or elastomeric material that compresses under a pressure placed upon fluid in the test chamber and;
allows fluid in the test chamber to occupy a portion of the volume;a drive motor configured to operate cyclically, acyclically, or a combination of both; and a fluid displacement member connected with and driven by the drive motor to provide the pressure source that increases and decreases a pressure on fluid in the test chamber;
whereby cyclic and acyclic fluid pressures are maintained throughout the test chamber. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A test chamber for accelerated cyclic testing of a valved prosthetic device in a variable pressurized environment comprising
a fluid distribution chamber having a first manifold defining a first port configured to receive and fluidicly couple with a first end of a sample holder and a lower face defining an aperture for communicating with a fluid pressure source; -
a fluid return chamber having a second manifold disposed opposite and spaced apart from the first manifold of the fluid distribution chamber and defining a second port configured to receive and fluidicly couple with a second end of the sample holder; a fluid return conduit both structurally and fluidly connecting the fluid distribution chamber to the fluid return chamber; and a compliance chamber providing a volume for holding a gas or elastomeric material that compresses under a pressure placed upon fluid in the test chamber;
allows fluid in the test chamber to occupy a portion of the volume. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A pressurization system for a fluid test chamber for accelerated cyclic pressure testing of a of a valved prosthetic device comprising
a linear drive motor that displaces a shaft in an axial direction; a flexible elastomeric rolling bellows diaphragm connected with and driven axially by the shaft of the linear motor that cyclically increases and decreases a pressure on a fluid in the fluid test chamber;
wherein active control of the linear drive motor provides an ability to create small and large fluid displacements with consequent variable effect of a fluid pressure of the fluid in the fluid test chamber.- View Dependent Claims (26)
Specification