Automatic IV Tube Clamp with Door-Triggered Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp devices for IV tubing in peristaltic pumps often fail to consistently prevent free flow when the pump is disengaged, leading to uncontrolled infusion and potential operator errors, resulting in false alarm issues with clamp detectors.
Innovation Solution
A clamp apparatus with a slide clamp and locking mechanism that automatically occludes the IV tube before disengagement and maintains occlusion until engagement, featuring a flexible cantilevered locking arm and release tab for manual operation, ensuring reliable fluid control and accurate detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual clamps are used on the IV tube, then the tube can be occluded to prevent free flow, but the system requires operator skill and attention which may lead to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp apparatus automatically occludes the tube when the pump door is opened and automatically releases when the door is closed, eliminating the need for operator intervention. The system serves itself by using the door position to trigger clamp activation and deactivation, ensuring reliable occlusion without requiring operator skill or attention.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp apparatus is activated in advance of potential free flow by automatically occluding the tube when the door is opened, before any uncontrolled infusion can occur. This preliminary action prevents the harmful effect from occurring in the first place.
2Reliability
If automatic clamp devices are mounted on the pump, then timing of occlusion and release is improved, but false alarm issues occur with clamp detectors
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp apparatus is positioned and pre-configured within the pump housing before operation, with the occlusion aperture aligned to receive the tube. The clamp is automatically activated when the door is opened, ensuring proper timing of occlusion before any free flow can occur.
3Ease of operation
If the door is opened to access the pumping mechanism, then the pumping mechanism is accessible for tube installation, but the tube becomes vulnerable to free flow
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp apparatus applies a counter-action to prevent free flow by automatically occluding the tube when the door is opened. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the potential harmful effect of free flow that would occur when the door is opened for tube installation or pump access.
4Reliability
If the clamp apparatus is designed with automatic operation, then operator error is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp apparatus is integrated with the pump door mechanism, merging the clamp activation function with the existing door operation. The clamp is automatically activated when the door is opened and deactivated when the door is closed, combining two functions into a coordinated system that reduces overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp apparatus serves multiple functions: it automatically occludes the tube when the door is opened, maintains occlusion during pump operation, and automatically releases when the door is closed. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated mechanism that responds to door position, eliminating the need for separate control systems.
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 solution effectively prevents free flow and reduces false alarms by ensuring the IV tube is consistently occluded during pump disengagement and engagement, enhancing safety and operational reliability while being easy to use and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible cantilevered locking arm mounted on the base, the locking arm having a release tab formed thereon but located at a position offset from the longitudinal center line of the base, the locking arm being biased toward a locking position wherein the locking arm engages the locking device of the slide clamp
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A clamp apparatus (20) for selectively occluding a resilient tube to prevent free flow of fluid in the tube. The device comprises a base member (22) to which the resilient IV tube is attached or through which it passes, and a slide clamp (24) that slides relative to the base member (22) and relative to the tube. The aperture (38) in the slide clamp (24) has a relatively open hole at one end, through which the tube passes when the slide clamp (24) is an open position, allowing fluid to flow through the tube. The aperture (38) also has a relatively constricted slot at the other end, through which the tube passes when the slide clamp is in the occluding position, preventing fluid flow through the tube. The slide clamp (24) includes a groove for receiving a cooperatively shaped rib on the base member (22). The groove and rib are configured to guide relative movement between the slide clamp (24) and the base (22) so as to prevent significant lateral movement.