Orthopedic simulator with fluid concentration maintenance arrangement for controlling fluid concentration of specimen baths
Inventors
Schulz, Bradley D. • Fahrendorff, Harold F.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-7779708-B2
Publication Date
2010-08-24
Expiration Date
Abstract
An orthopedic simulator is provided with an orthopedic simulator having at least one test station with a specimen container for containing a fluid bath, such as bovine fluid. A fluid level sensor is positioned to sense the level of fluid in the fluid bath and generate a fluid level signal. A fill controller is coupled to the fluid level sensor. The fill controller controls filling of the fluid bath with liquid, such as distilled water, as a function of the fluid level signal to restore and maintain the concentration of the bath.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an orthopedic simulator that includes a test station with a specimen container configured to contain a fluid bath in which a test specimen is immersed during testing. A fluid concentration maintenance arrangement is operably arranged with the specimen container to maintain a specific fluid concentration of the bath despite evaporation. A fluid level sensor senses the level of fluid in the fluid bath and generates a fluid level signal, which is provided to a fill controller.
The fill controller is coupled to the fluid level sensor and is arranged to control filling of the fluid bath with replenishing fluid as a function of the fluid level signal. Non-contact fluid level sensing is used, with an adjustable mounting arrangement to position the sensor near the fluid bath. The replenishing action restores the bath so that the fluid concentration is maintained at an initial concentration.
In addition to controlling fluid concentration consistency across test stations, the orthopedic simulator includes bath/bath-fluid circulation and temperature control to maintain stable test environments. The disclosed concentration maintenance arrangement and related circulation/temperature control are used to keep test conditions consistent during orthopedic testing, including ISO wear testing contexts described in the provided content.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover an orthopedic simulator with a specimen container and a controller-based fluid concentration maintenance assembly that uses sensor inputs related to fluid concentration, including fluid level sensing, to control a fill assembly that supplies replenishing fluid. The inventive features emphasize maintaining a specific fluid concentration during testing, with non-contact sensing and controller-driven replenishment, and optionally supplying test loads to the immersed specimen.
Maintaining specific bath fluid concentration using a fluid level sensor and fill controller
A fluid concentration maintenance arrangement maintains a specific fluid concentration of the bath by using a fluid level sensor to generate a fluid level signal and a fill controller coupled to the fluid level sensor to control filling of the fluid bath with replenishing fluid as a function of the fluid level signal.
Non-contact fluid level sensing for bath concentration maintenance
The fluid level sensor is configured as a non-contact level sensor for sensing the level of fluid in the fluid bath.
Controller-controlled fluid fill assembly for supplying replenishing fluid
A fluid concentration maintenance assembly includes a controller configured to receive input from at least one sensor corresponding to one or more parameters related to fluid concentration, and the controller controls operation of a fill assembly to supply fluid to the fluid bath based upon the sensor input related to fluid concentration.
Controller output indicating fluid concentration based on sensor inputs
The controller outputs an indication of the fluid concentration in the bath based on sensor inputs.
Fill assembly including a pump supplying fluid to the fluid bath via inlet(s)
The fill assembly includes at least one pump that supplies fluid to the specimen container chamber via at least one inlet, with the controller driving the pump based on sensor inputs.
Non-contact level sensor for bath-concentration-related sensing
The sensing is performed using at least one non-contact level sensor.
Supplying one or more test loads to an immersed test specimen
One or more actuator devices supply one or more test loads to a test specimen that is immersed in the bath within the specimen container.
Across the independent claim set, the core claim coverage centers on an orthopedic simulator that maintains bath fluid concentration during testing using sensor(s) related to fluid concentration—particularly fluid level sensing, including non-contact sensing—and a controller that receives sensor input and controls a fill assembly to supply fluid or replenishing fluid accordingly. Some claim sets further specify controller outputs indicating fluid concentration and implementations of the fill assembly using pumps and inlet(s), and additionally include actuator devices for supplying test loads to the immersed specimen.
Stated Advantages
Maintains a specific fluid concentration of the bath despite evaporation.
Maintains consistent test environments by supporting consistent fluid concentration across multiple test stations.
Supports stable test environments via related bath/bath-fluid circulation and temperature control.
Documented Applications
Orthopedic simulator testing in contexts including ISO/ASTM wear testing, using a specimen container with a bath in which a test specimen is immersed.
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