Breakaway Check Valve Coupling for Leak-Free Enteral Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gastronomy button dislodgement during enteral nutrition therapy leads to emergency procedures, necessitating a breakaway coupling that prevents undesired fluid flow upon disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A plunger assembly and valve assembly that automatically separate upon application of force, featuring a plunger that moves between positions to prevent fluid flow in the disconnected state, and a magnetic coupling with one-way valves to ensure fluid continuity and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a breakaway coupling is used to allow automatic separation upon force application, then patient safety is improved by preventing dislodgement emergencies, but fluid leakage may occur when disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is pre-positioned in a closed state within the coupling assembly before disconnection occurs. When the coupling separates, the valve automatically remains closed or returns to closed position, preventing fluid leakage without requiring any action after the fact. This preliminary positioning of the valve ensures immediate containment upon disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism that provides force to return the check valve to closed position is activated by the same disconnection event that causes separation. The force of separation that might seem harmful (causing unintended disconnection) is converted into useful work by compressing or releasing the spring to ensure the valve seals properly, turning a potentially harmful event into a beneficial self-sealing action.
2Strength
If a magnetic coupling mechanism is used to join assemblies, then connection strength is improved, but automatic separation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling strength is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The magnetic force decreases with distance, allowing strong connection during normal use but automatic separation when sufficient force is applied to overcome the magnetic attraction. This dynamic characteristic enables both strong connection and controlled separation without requiring mechanical release mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling parameters (strength, distance, material properties) are selected to create a threshold effect where the coupling maintains strength under normal operating forces but automatically separates when force exceeds a predetermined threshold. This parameter optimization allows the same magnetic mechanism to provide both strong connection and automatic separation capability.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a plunger mechanism is used to control fluid flow, then fluid containment is improved when disconnected, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger mechanism is merged with the valve assembly housing, where the plunger serves dual functions: controlling fluid flow through the check valve and providing mechanical feedback for connection status. By combining these functions into a single integrated component rather than separate mechanisms, the design achieves effective fluid containment without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring force and fluid pressure differential. When connection status changes, the mechanism automatically positions the plunger to open or close the valve without requiring external control systems, motors, or complex actuation mechanisms. This self-service capability provides effective fluid containment while minimizing added complexity.
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
Prevents unwanted fluid discharge and patient harm by automatically sealing the coupling when disconnected, ensuring safe and reliable operation of enteral nutrition systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnetic ring circumferentially disposed about the first assembly, a second magnetic ring circumferentially disposed about the second assembly
Implementation Method 2
the fluid biases the plunger in its first position, preventing the flow of the fluid between the plunger chamber and the stem chamber
Implementation Method 3
when the coupling is in its connected state, the rib retains the plunger in its second position, the stem chamber is in fluid communication with the valve chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A breakaway coupling for use in fluid delivery systems comprises either a mechanical or magnetic coupling configuration. In the first embodiment, the coupling includes a plunger assembly having an inlet, a plunger chamber in fluid communication with the inlet, a stem chamber in fluid communication with the plunger chamber, and a plunger configured to move between positions. The first embodiment further includes a valve assembly having a valve chamber with a valve and rib, and an outlet. In the second embodiment, the coupling includes a first assembly having an inlet port, a first valve chamber housing a one-way valve, and a magnetic ring, and a second assembly having an outlet port, a second valve chamber, a protrusion, and a complementary magnetic ring. Both embodiments automatically separate and seal upon application of force.