Closed Stopcock Dual-Flow Layout for Flushing and Higher Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stopcocks lack an efficient mechanism for increasing fluid flow rate while maintaining effective flushing of internal volumes to prevent residual liquids from clotting and contamination.
Innovation Solution
The stopcock design incorporates multiple fluid flow passages and a fluid flow guide system that allows for increased fluid flow rates and simultaneous flushing of internal volumes, preventing residual liquids from coming into contact with elastomeric elements and reducing the risk of clotting and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single fluid flow passage is used in conventional stopcocks, then the device structure remains simple, but the fluid flow rate is limited and cannot be increased efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The stopcock is divided into multiple functional zones with separate fluid flow passages. The first fluid flow passage (through the shaft) and second fluid flow passage (through the handle) are segmented to perform different functions: one for primary fluid transfer and another for flushing operations, enabling increased overall fluid flow rate while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a dimensional aspect to fluid flow by creating passages in different spatial orientations and locations within the stopcock body. The shaft portion and handle portion define passages at different positions and angles, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space to increase flow capacity without proportionally increasing external device dimensions
2Reliability
If residual liquids remain in internal volumes of ports, then the device structure remains compact, but clotting and contamination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The stopcock design incorporates preliminary flushing action through its dual passage system. The second fluid flow passage is specifically configured to flush internal volumes of ports before primary fluid flow occurs, preventing clotting and contamination in advance. This preliminary cleaning action is integrated into the normal operation sequence
Solution Approach 2:
The stopcock performs self-flushing through its own internal fluid flow passages without requiring external flushing devices or additional manual操作步骤. The second fluid flow passage automatically flushes residual liquids from port internal volumes during normal operation, enabling the device to service itself
3Reliability
If flushing is performed by exposing the medical set to the atmosphere, then residual liquids are removed, but contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second fluid flow passage acts as an intermediary flushing channel that removes residual liquids through a controlled internal pathway rather than atmospheric exposure. This intermediary passage allows flushing fluid to enter and exit the port internal volumes without breaking the closed system, thereby eliminating contamination risk while maintaining effective residual liquid removal
Solution Approach 2:
The stopcock maintains a closed, inert environment throughout the flushing operation. By routing flush fluid through the second fluid flow passage within the sealed device body, the system prevents atmospheric contaminants from contacting the medical set during the flushing process, effectively creating an inert protective environment
4Productivity
If multiple fluid flow passages are implemented, then fluid flow rate increases, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dual fluid flow passage system is designed with multi-functionality where the same stopcock body and handle structure serve both primary fluid transfer and flushing functions. The shaft and handle portions are universally designed to define both the first and second passages, allowing one device to perform multiple functions without proportionally increasing complexity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A stopcock comprising: a housing element (100) defining a central bore (119) and at least first, second and third ports (104,106,108), and a handle element (110), which is selectably positionable relative to said housing element (100), said housing element (100) and said handle element (110) being arrangeable in multiple mutual positions, at least one of said housing element (100) and said handle element (110) defining a first fluid flow passageway communicating between two of said at least first, second and third ports (104,106,108), and a second fluid flow passageway communicating between at least two of said at least first, second and third ports (104,106,108), selection of said ports being in accordance with a relative position of said handle element (110) relative to said housing element (100); said first fluid flow passageway including a side-to-side extending bore (152) extending through said handle (110), and said second fluid flow passageway including a first fluid flow guide (154); and a second fluid flow guide (128) extending radially and partially bifurcating one of said at least one of the first, second and third ports (104,106,108), said second fluid flow guide (128) being associated with at least one of said first fluid flow passageway and said second fluid flow passageway.