Compressible Bag Roller Assembly for Complete Liquid Emptying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensing systems from compressible bags, such as IV bags, suffer from issues like bag curling and shrinkage, leading to incomplete emptying and the need for additional resources during patient mobilization, occupying space, and limiting patient mobility.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a roller arrangement comprising a front roller and follower rollers, along with a gap between the bottom part and front roller, reduces curling and shrinkage by ensuring firm contact without friction, using a spring or electric motor for reliable dispensing, and allowing for easy bag replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a compressible bag is used for liquid dispensing, then the device complexity is reduced and patient mobility is improved, but bag curling and shrinkage occur leading to incomplete emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a front roller with a curved surface that contacts and compresses the compressible bag. The roller's spherical/curved geometry allows it to effectively press the bag against the dispensing surface, preventing curling and shrinkage while maintaining simple device structure. The curved surface distributes compression forces evenly across the bag material.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing system is segmented into distinct functional components: a front roller for compression, follower rollers for support, and a gap mechanism for bag positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while keeping the overall device simple and reliable for complete bag emptying.
2Speed
If IV poles are used to elevate IV bags, then liquid can flow into the vein, but the poles occupy space and limit patient mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for gravitational elevation by using a roller-based compression system that generates sufficient pressure to drive liquid flow without requiring the bag to be positioned above the patient. This creates an equipotential system where flow is achieved through mechanical compression rather than gravitational potential difference, enabling patient mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the gravitational mechanical system (IV pole elevation) with a direct mechanical compression system (roller arrangement). Instead of using gravity to drive flow, the system uses controlled roller compression to force liquid through the dispensing system, thereby eliminating the need for space-consuming poles and improving patient adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electronic infusion pumps are used to make patients independent of IV poles, then patient mobility is improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive mechanical components (rollers, springs, or electric motors) that can be manufactured at low cost. The system uses basic mechanical principles rather than complex electronics, making it economically viable for widespread use while still providing patient mobility independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller arrangement with spring or motor actuation provides automatic compression and liquid dispensing without requiring complex electronic control systems. The mechanical self-regulating nature of the spring-loaded or motor-driven rollers simplifies manufacturing while maintaining patient independence and mobility.
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 apparatus effectively reduces bag curling and shrinkage, ensuring complete emptying and reliable liquid delivery, enhancing patient mobility and reducing the need for additional resources, while being cost-effective and space-efficient.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible bag placed on the bottom part
Implementation Method 2
The roller arrangement may be activated by a spring mechanism
Implementation Method 3
an electric motor, which may be built in the front roller or mounted exterior to the rollers
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to an apparatus for dispensing a liquid from a compressible bag, where the apparatus comprises a housing with a dispensing end and an opposite rear end, a bottom part and top part and two side parts. A roller arrangement and a pair of steering tracks are mounted in a track length direction on the side parts, and the roller arrangement includes at least a front roller adapted to roll from the rear end towards the dispensing end wherein the surface of the roller is adapted for engagement with a compressible bag placed on the bottom part, and wherein the roller arrangement includes at least one follower roller following the front roller and/or a gap is provided between the bottom part and the surface of the front roller, the gap being in the range of 2 to 10 mm where the surface of the front roller is closest to the bottom part.