Design a Heart Valve

Our Goal

We were tasked with creating a model that works like a real heart valve to learn about biomedical engineering and practice the engineering design process.

In Part 1, our group of four started by researching how heart valves function, using our own research and the information provided to us. This helped us understand how blood flows through a heart valve and gave us ideas for different ways to model the one-way blood flow. We then planned each option and gathered the materials we needed.

In Part 2, we learned about concepts like elasticity, the forces on heart valves, and how stress, strain, and Young's Modulus apply to the tissues in real heart valves.

In Part 3, we tested different materials to find the best one for our valve model. We made changes and redesigned our model several times to make sure it worked as well as possible.

Evidence of Work

Our blueprint/sketch of the heart valve model shows the main parts and how they fit together. It includes the inlet and outlet for blood flow, as well as the valve flaps that open and close to control the flow, just like a real heart valve. The design shows how the blood will move in one direction, with clear separation between where it enters and exits. We also included the materials we planned to use, like flexible materials for the valve flaps to mimic the stretchiness of heart tissue. The sketch helps us plan the size and placement of each part to make sure the model works correctly.

For our heart valve model, we used two water bottles to represent the chambers of the heart. One bottle was used as the inlet, where the blood would enter, and the other as the outlet, where the blood would exit. To create the valve flaps, we cut a rubber glove into pieces and attached them to the bottles using duct tape. The rubber material was flexible enough to mimic the way real heart valve flaps open and close. We also used a tube to connect the two bottles, allowing us to simulate the flow of blood between them. The tube acted as the pathway for the blood, and we carefully sealed the connections with duct tape to prevent leaks and ensure a secure flow.

Prototypes

This is the first prototype of our heart valve model. We used two water bottles to represent the heart chambers, with one serving as the inlet and the other as the outlet for blood flow. For the valve flaps, we cut pieces from a rubber glove to create flexible, movable sections that would mimic the opening and closing of real heart valve flaps. A tube connected the two bottles, simulating the blood flow path. This initial prototype allowed us to test the basic concept and observe how the materials worked together. Based on these tests, we made adjustments to improve the model's performance.

These pictures show our final heart valve prototype, which we made using construction paper and tape. After testing our first prototype, we made improvements by redesigning the valve flaps with construction paper, which gave them more control and flexibility. We also used tape to secure the parts together and ensure a strong, leak-proof connection. The two water bottles still serve as the heart chambers, and the tube simulates the flow of blood. This updated design allowed the valve to open and close more smoothly, better mimicking how a real heart valve works. We're happy with how the new materials and design choices improved the model's function.

Heart Valve Lab Write-up

Lab Write-Up

Here, you will find the lab write-up document. It explains the steps we took during the project, from our research and design ideas to building and testing our model. The document includes details about the materials we used, how we made the model, and the results of our tests. It also covers the engineering concepts we learned and applied to make sure our heart valve model worked properly. This write-up highlights the challenges we faced and the changes we made to improve our design.

Content

Bioengineering

Applies the principles of biology and the tools of engineering to create viable products.

Elasticity

The ability of an object to return to its natural state after some applied force has been removed. We tested the elasticity of each material used in our heart valve to replicate the elasticity of a real valve.

Force

F=ma.

Young's Modulus

Measure of elasticity found by dividing stress by the strain.

Stress/Strain

The force applied to the material and the resulting deformation of the material. Measurements to determine elasticity.

stress: σ= F/A

strain: ε=Δ x/x

Laminar Flow

The regular flow of blood through the circulatory system which occurs when a valve is opened.

Heart Structure

The heart consists of four chambers; two atria and two ventricles. The ventricles pump blood out of the heart, while the atria receive incoming blood.

Aortic Valve

Oxygenated blood leaving the heart travels through the aortic valve. Semilunar shape between the left ventricle and the aorta. Ensures blood does not flow back into the ventricle.

Reflection

This project was both interesting and successful for our group. I enjoyed testing different materials and brainstorming creative ways to represent a function of the human body. Although our model could have shown the blood flow to the other water bottle more clearly, it worked better than I expected. We were able to explore multiple design variations and adapt creatively. Together, we used critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address any issues that came up. One challenge we faced was getting the water to flow into the top bottle and not flow back down into the previous water bottle. Additionally, we tilted the device to take advantage of gravity, which helped the flow. My group worked well together to run each test and document our observations.

One area I could improve is asking for everyone's ideas before committing to a design. Although we all had trouble coming up with a workable model during brainstorming, once I thought of a solution, I may have focused too much on my own idea and overlooked my teammates’ designs. In the future, I will give my group more time to collaborate and share their ideas before moving forward with my own plan.

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