Circular Roller Clamp Assembly for Precise IV Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller clamps for IV sets provide limited flow rate control, are sensitive to small movements, prone to slippage, and require manual adjustment, making precise fluid flow regulation difficult and unsuitable for automated systems.
Innovation Solution
A circular roller clamp assembly with a semi-circular housing and a guide groove featuring varying width and depth, combined with a motor-driven roller, allows for precise flow control through circumferential movement, reducing slippage and enabling automated adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a typical linear roller clamp is used, then the structure is simple, but the flow rate control precision is poor due to limited range and high sensitivity to small movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by transitioning from a linear roller clamp to a circular roller clamp assembly. The circular configuration allows the roller to traverse a curved path around the tube, significantly increasing the flow control range from a limited linear displacement to a full 360-degree or near-360-degree rotation. This curved geometry enables fine flow rate adjustments throughout the entire rotation, resolving the contradiction between control precision and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention moves from one-dimensional linear movement to two-dimensional circular motion. The roller travels along a circular arc rather than a straight line, adding a rotational dimension to the control mechanism. This dimensional change expands the control range while maintaining mechanical simplicity, as the circular path can be achieved with a single rotating component rather than complex multi-axis mechanisms.
2Extent of automation
If a manual roller clamp is used, then the device is simple, but automation capability is lacking requiring manual adjustment by healthcare clinicians
Solution Approach 1:
The circular roller clamp assembly is designed with multi-functionality to serve both manual and automated operation modes. The mechanical structure remains simple enough for manual rotation while incorporating features that accommodate automated control systems. This universal design allows the same device to be operated manually by healthcare clinicians or integrated with electronic motors and control systems, eliminating the need to choose between automation capability and operational simplicity.
3Reliability
If a typical roller clamp is used, then the structure is straightforward, but roller wheel slippage occurs causing flow rate drifting when fluid pressure causes the roller to roll back
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism between the roller and the tube to prevent direct slippage. The circular configuration with its extended contact path acts as an intermediary that distributes the fluid pressure forces along the curved surface rather than concentrating them at a single point. This intermediary circular geometry provides mechanical advantage and increases frictional engagement, preventing the roller from rolling back under fluid pressure without requiring complex anti-slippage mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The circular geometry provides enhanced contact area and distributed pressure along the curved surface, improving grip and preventing slippage. The curved path allows the roller to engage the tube over a longer arc, increasing the effective frictional force that resists fluid pressure-induced rollback. This geometric solution achieves reliable flow rate stability without adding complex mechanical anti-slippage components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a linear roller clamp with short housing is used, then the device size is compact, but the flow rate control range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The circular housing configuration allows the roller to traverse a curved path that effectively extends the control range without proportionally increasing the linear dimensions of the housing. The curved geometry packs a longer operational path into a compact form factor, enabling wide flow rate adjustment range while maintaining a space-efficient design suitable for medical infusion applications.
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning from linear to circular geometry, the invention utilizes rotational motion to achieve extended control range. The circular path allows the roller to cover a much longer effective distance through rotation rather than linear translation, enabling comprehensive flow rate control from fully closed to fully open positions within a compact housing that would be too short if designed with linear geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
A circular roller clamp assembly includes a semi-circular housing configured to receive a portion of an intravenous tube, a roller configured to be movably received by a guide groove disposed in the semi-circular housing, and a tube channel disposed within the guide groove, the tube channel comprising one of a varying width from a first end to a second end and a varying depth from a first end to a second end, wherein the roller clamp assembly is configured to regulate a flow rate of fluid flowing through the IV tube based on engagement of the roller with the IV tube via circumferential movement of the roller along the guide groove. Additional circular roller clamp assemblies and IV sets with circular roller clamp assemblies are also provided.