Pressure-Responsive Check Valve for Retrograde Flow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid flow systems, medical connectors, and check valves in hospitals and medical settings have limitations and a need for improved efficiency and control of fluid flow, particularly in situations requiring multiple connections and preventing retrograde flow.
Innovation Solution
A medical check valve with a flexible diaphragm and support members, designed to move between positions in response to pressure differentials, and a medical manifold with integrated access ports and channels, allowing one-way fluid flow while preventing backflow, and incorporating flexible joints for adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a check valve is used to prevent retrograde flow in medical connectors, then fluid flow control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible diaphragm as the valve element that opens and closes to prevent retrograde flow. This thin film structure replaces complex mechanical valve mechanisms with a simple, reliable flexible membrane that responds to pressure differentials, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve is designed to operate automatically in response to pressure differentials without requiring external control mechanisms. The flexible diaphragm self-regulates fluid flow direction based on pressure conditions, eliminating the need for additional actuators or control systems and thus reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable one-way flow control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connections are provided to a flow line for multiple fluid inputs, then adaptability is improved, but risk of retrograde flow increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is divided into multiple independent connection ports, each equipped with its own check valve mechanism. This segmentation allows each connection to independently control fluid flow direction, enabling multiple fluid inputs while preventing retrograde flow from any single port, thus maintaining both adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold structure provides universal connectivity for multiple fluid sources through standardized ports, each with integrated check valve functionality. This multi-functional design allows the same structural element to serve both as a connection interface and a flow control mechanism, enabling versatile multi-input capability while ensuring reliable prevention of backward flow from any port.
3Ease of operation
If a flexible diaphragm is used for pressure-responsive valve operation, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible diaphragm is designed with inherent compliance that allows it to flex and seal effectively within a range of positions rather than requiring precise fixed positioning. This flexibility compensates for manufacturing tolerances, enabling easy pressure-responsive operation while reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm's physical parameters such as thickness, material properties, and mounting geometry are optimized to provide adequate sealing force and responsive operation within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. By adjusting these parameters, the design achieves ease of operation while accommodating normal variations in manufacturing precision.
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
Enhances fluid flow efficiency and control, enabling multiple connections and preventing retrograde flow, while accommodating various medical connectors and adapting to user needs.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible diaphragm can have a first position in which the top surface is generally planar and is configured to seal against a fluid opening and a second position in which the top surface of the diaphragm is curved generally around the line of symmetry and is configured to be displaced from the fluid opening
Data Source
AI summary
A check valve for use in a fluid pathway. The check valve may have a diaphragm and a plurality of supports extending from the diaphragm. The check valve and supports have a line of symmetry, and deformation of the check valve as it moves from a closed position to an opened position can be generally along the line of symmetry.