Arcuate Fill Indicator for Medical Fluid Injection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical fluid injection devices lack a clear and intuitive visual indicator to display the amount of medical fluid remaining, making it difficult for users to determine when the device is filled or empty during the injection process.
Innovation Solution
A medical fluid injection device featuring a disc-shaped housing with an arcuate window and a fluid fill indicator that includes graduated markings and an internal indicator visible through the window, which moves along an arcuate path to indicate the fill level, allowing users to visually confirm if the device is empty or full.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If no visual indicator is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but users cannot determine the fill level accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator is nested within the elastomeric bladder, with the indicator moving along with the bladder's expansion and contraction. This nested configuration allows the indication mechanism to be integrated within the existing bladder structure rather than adding external components, thus providing accurate fill level indication while minimizing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator utilizes color changes or visual contrast through the arcuate window to indicate different fill levels. The indicator is designed to be visible through the window, using optical properties to provide clear visual feedback without requiring complex mechanical or electronic systems
2Loss of information
If an internal indicator connected to the elastomeric bladder is used, then the fill level can be accurately indicated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator system is self-actuating through the elastomeric bladder's natural expansion and contraction. As the bladder fills with medical fluid, it expands arcuately, which automatically moves the indicator along its arcuate path. This eliminates the need for external actuators, sensors, or power sources, providing continuous fill level information while keeping the mechanism simple and reliable
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric bladder serves multiple functions: it stores the medical fluid, provides the driving force for injection through elastic contraction, and simultaneously acts as the actuating mechanism for the fill level indicator. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining accurate information display
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 device provides a clear and intuitive visual indication of the fill level, ensuring users can accurately determine when the device is ready for use and preventing under or over-administration of medical fluids.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomeric bladder has a distal end, is elongated and is configured to expand arcuately when filled with the volume of liquid and hold the volume of liquid under pressure with an elastic force in a wall of the elastomeric bladder so as to provide pressure to expel the liquid from the elastomeric bladder through the dispensing port as the elastomeric bladder contracts.
Implementation Method 2
An internal indicator is connected to the distal end of the elastomeric bladder. The internal indicator is positioned within the housing and configured to move along an arcuate path adjacent to and visible through the arcuate window as the elastomeric bladder expands and contracts.
Data Source
AI summary
An injection device has a generally disc-shaped housing including an arcuate clear section and graduated markings in an arcuate arrangement on or adjacent to the clear section. An arcuately expandable member is contained within the housing and is configured to hold a volume of liquid. An indicator is connected to the expandable member and positioned within the housing. The indicator is configured to move along an arcuate path adjacent to the clear section such that alignment of the indicator with the graduated markings indicates a volume of liquid within the expandable member.