MECHATRONIC HEART FOR HEALTHCARE

Abstract

This invention provides a mechatronic heart system that utilizes servo motors, an Arduino Nano, and a servo controller to replicate the functional movements of a human heart. Designed to simulate a heartbeat at 72 beats per minute, this system offers applications in medical training, research, and as a potential artificial heart platform. The device’s accuracy and flexibility enhance its utility in understanding cardiovascular mechanics and developing heart-replacement solutions.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to biomedical and mechatronic engineering, specifically a mechatronic heart system that replicates the functional movements of a human heart. Utilizing servo motors, an Arduino Nano, and a 12-bit 16-channel servo controller, the invention provides a reliable platform for simulating the contractions and blood-pumping action of a human heart. This technology aims to advance education, research, and potential medical applications in the field of artificial hearts and cardiovascular health.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Heart disease is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with limited options for heart transplants due to donor shortages. Artificial hearts provide a bridge to transplant or a permanent solution for patients ineligible for transplants. However, existing artificial heart systems are often complex, expensive, and lack precision in replicating the natural heartbeat rhythm. This invention addresses these challenges by introducing a mechatronic heart system that mimics the human heart's structure and function with high precision and adaptability.
By employing servo motors controlled via Arduino Nano and a 12-bit 16-channel servo controller, this invention simulates the heartbeat and blood flow mechanisms, including the pumping through major vessels like the aorta and vena cava. Designed to operate at an average human heart rate of 72 beats per minute, this device provides a platform for testing, training, and potential biomedical applications. The mechatronic heart offers a cost-effective, accurate, and flexible solution for understanding and replicating heart functionality, which could serve both educational and clinical needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
The invention provides a mechatronic heart system that integrates servo motors, an Arduino Nano microcontroller, and a 12-bit 16-channel servo controller to replicate the human heart's contractions and pumping actions. This system achieves the rhythm of a human heartbeat, with the capability to simulate blood flow through the aorta and vena cava. The device is designed for use in medical training, bioengineering research, and as a potential platform for artificial heart development. The system's components allow for precise control and scalability, supporting various applications in the biomedical field.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
FIGURE 1: ILLUSTRATES THE BLOCK DIAGRAM OF THE MECHATRONIC HEART SYSTEM, SHOWING THE INTEGRATION OF SERVO MOTORS, ARDUINO NANO, AND SERVO CONTROLLER.
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The Mechatronic Heart system is developed to replicate the functional movement and blood-pumping action of a biological heart. This system utilizes servo motors that are specifically programmed to mimic the contraction and relaxation movements characteristic of the human heart. Servo motors were chosen due to their precision and control capabilities, which are essential for accurately simulating the heart's rhythmic beat. The servo motors are controlled to achieve a standard rate of approximately 72 beats per minute, replicating an average human heartbeat.
The Arduino Nano functions as the primary control unit for the mechatronic heart. This compact microcontroller, powered by the ATmega328P, is programmed to coordinate the actions of the servo motors, ensuring that they contract and relax at specified intervals. The Arduino Nano is connected to a 12-bit 16-channel servo controller, which acts as an intermediary between the microcontroller and the servo motors. This controller allows multiple servos to be managed simultaneously, a necessary feature for mimicking the complex motion involved in cardiac function.
In addition to the heartbeat simulation, the mechatronic heart is designed to replicate the blood-pumping action by moving fluids through tubes representing the aorta and vena cava. This feature adds complexity, requiring not only rhythmic contraction and relaxation but also the application of sufficient force to mimic the natural blood flow in these major blood vessels. This capability is achieved through the combination of precise timing and control provided by the Arduino Nano and the servo controller, which ensures that each movement is synchronized with the others, mirroring the biological heart's coordinated action.
The design of the mechatronic heart also includes 3D-printed components that form the chambers and valves, closely emulating the anatomical structure of a human heart. The use of biocompatible and durable materials in these components allows the system to be used in prolonged testing and educational settings without significant wear. This system provides a versatile platform for educational institutions to teach students about cardiovascular mechanics, for researchers to study heart dynamics, and potentially as a foundation for developing artificial heart prototypes.
, Claims:1. A mechatronic heart system comprising servo motors, an Arduino Nano, and a 12-bit 16-channel servo controller, configured to replicate the functionality of a human heart.
2. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the servo motors simulate the contraction and relaxation actions necessary to mimic the human heartbeat rhythm.
3. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the Arduino Nano microcontroller serves as the control unit, programmed to manage the synchronized movement of the servo motors.
4. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the 12-bit 16-channel servo controller interfaces between the Arduino Nano and servo motors, allowing simultaneous control of multiple motors.
5. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the system is designed to simulate a human heart rate of approximately 72 beats per minute.
6. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein it includes components that simulate the pumping of fluid through structures representing the aorta and vena cava.
7. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the mechatronic heart is designed for applications in medical education, bioengineering research, and as a platform for artificial heart development.

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