For my Junior Design class, we were tasked to create a Total Artificial Heart. Here's the catch...
This project wasn't just about design, it was about documentation, regulation, and thinking exactly like how a real company would do it.
We first had to think about user needs, then make our design requirements and then also make sure we are following specific ISO standards. While we can't follow them exactly, we still had to design as if we were going to implant this into someones body.
I had already made my peristaltic pump, but this time, I knew that I wanted to do a centrifugal. Reason why? Because BiVacor + Heartmate does a centrifugal so I thought I would just copy off the best and make my own.
After my team and I finalized our user needs and design input requirements, I was tasked to create our first design since I am a Certified Solidworks Professional.
I knew one of our biggest problems would be blood shear. I did some research and decided to design the impeller to be semi-open with a 125º exit angle. This would not only reduce the amount of shear but also increase efficiency and L/min output.
This design is going to end up being resin printed but I first had to start off with 3D printing. And with 3D printing, I had to make sure our design was air tight so, I did 2 TPU seals on the top and bottom. I also reduced friction by creating custom thrust bearings that would fit inside my design and allow for a smooth and almost frictionless surface.
I am extremely proud of this design as everything is equation driven. I can edit 1 variable and everything else will dynamically change without breaking the entire design. This allows for quick prototyping and quick edits.
Currently I have 3D printed it and tested it but I am still not completely pleased with it so, I am making miniscule changes.
To make this a TAH, my other teammate is making a custom gearbox with specific gear ratios so we can achieve the correct pressures and flow outputs.
It's similar to Abbott's Heartmate 3. I created 1 design and then we'll just make it two of them and then combine them together and boom! We have our TAH!