Anti-Run-Dry Membrane Attachment for IV Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intravenous delivery systems face challenges in efficiently removing air bubbles, which can lead to air embolism and contamination, and traditional welding techniques are ineffective for attaching air filtering membranes due to material melting point disparities.
Innovation Solution
An intravenous delivery system with an anti-run-dry membrane made of hydrophilic material with pores that allow fluid flow while preventing air passage, secured using various attachment methods such as insert molding, ultrasonic welding, or adhesive rings to prevent air from entering the tubing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional welding techniques are used to attach membranes, then manufacturing process is simple, but membranes cannot be attached due to melting point disparities
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a separate attachment component (such as a retention ring or夹持结构) that is distinct from both the membrane and the housing. This segmentation allows the membrane to be attached indirectly through the attachment component, which can be secured to the housing using traditional welding techniques, while the membrane itself remains intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment component serves as an intermediary element between the membrane and the housing. It provides a mechanical interface that allows secure attachment without direct welding of the membrane, thus resolving the melting point incompatibility issue while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If air bubbles are removed by traditional priming methods, then air embolism risk is reduced, but the process is time-consuming and risks contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The system is pre-filled with fluid at the factory before use, with the membrane already in place to prevent air entry. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming bedside priming procedures and reduces contamination risk from repeated handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane automatically prevents air from entering the tubing when the IV bag is hung, without requiring manual intervention or complex priming procedures. The system self-regulates to prevent air embolism risk.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the membrane is securely attached to prevent air entry, then air embolism risk is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment component acts as a simple intermediary that can be manufactured separately and attached to the housing using standard welding or mechanical fastening techniques. This adds minimal complexity to the manufacturing process while effectively securing the membrane to prevent air entry.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The anti-run-dry membrane effectively supports a column of fluid, reducing air entry and enhancing the reliability of the delivery system while simplifying manufacturing and reducing the risk of contamination and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The anti-run-dry membrane may be formed of a hydrophilic material, and may have a plurality of pores that permit the liquid to flow through the anti-run-dry membrane, while resisting passage of air through the anti-run-dry membrane
Implementation Method 2
The anti-run-dry membrane may be formed of a hydrophilic material, and may have a plurality of pores that permit the liquid to flow through the anti-run-dry membrane
Implementation Method 3
The anti-run-dry membrane may be secured to the seat through the use of an attachment component... secured using various attachment methods such as insert molding, ultrasonic welding, or adhesive rings
Data Source
AI summary
An intravenous delivery system may have a liquid source containing a liquid, tubing, and an anti-run-dry membrane positioned such that the liquid, flowing form the liquid source to the tubing, passes through the anti-run-dry membrane. The anti-run-dry membrane may be positioned within an exterior wall of a drip unit, and may be secured to a seat of the exterior wall by an attachment component. The attachment component may have various forms, such as a secondary exterior wall that cooperates with the exterior wall to define a drip chamber, a washer positioned such that the anti-run-dry membrane is between the washer and the seat, and an adhesive ring formed of a pressure sensitive adhesive and secured to the anti-run-dry membrane and the seat via compression. Interference features may protrude inward from the exterior wall or outward from the anti-run-dry membrane to help keep the anti-run-dry membrane in place.