Contoured Flow Channel Assembly for Precise Infusion Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow regulation devices, such as roller clamps, lack precision and accuracy in controlling fluid flow rates, leading to potential safety issues due to drifting flow rates caused by tubing elasticity, and existing advanced technologies do not provide the necessary precision for modern infusion applications.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow control apparatus with a contoured flow channel that allows for precise adjustment of flow rates through a combination of movable ports and a fluid pathway with varying cross-sectional areas, enabling linear proportional flow rate control via rotational positioning and automatic control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If roller clamp technology is used for flow regulation, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the flow rate control precision is poor and the flow rate drifts over time
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control assembly is segmented into multiple independent components: a flow regulator with contoured flow channel, a separate roller clamp mechanism, and modular housing sections. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the contoured channel provides precise flow control while the roller clamp provides simple mechanical actuation, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a contoured flow channel as an intermediary element between the roller clamp mechanism and the fluid pathway. This contoured channel acts as a flow resistance element that translates the mechanical movement of the roller clamp into precise flow rate adjustments, serving as a mediator that bridges the gap between simple mechanical operation and precise flow control.
2Ease of operation
If conventional pinch valves with roller clamps are used, then the device is easy to operate, but the flow rate accuracy and repeatability are insufficient for modern infusion applications
Solution Approach 1:
The contoured flow channel incorporates local quality variations through its specifically designed geometry - with varying cross-sectional areas, tapered sections, and optimized flow paths in critical regions. This local optimization of the flow channel geometry enables precise flow control characteristics while maintaining the overall simplicity of the roller clamp operation, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and flow rate accuracy.
3Device complexity
If tubing elasticity is present in the system, then the device structure remains simple, but the flow rate setting drifts over time creating safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flow control function from the flexible tubing and relocates it to a rigid contoured flow channel within the flow regulator assembly. By taking the flow resistance function out of the elastic tubing and placing it in a structurally stable contoured channel, the system eliminates the source of flow rate drift while maintaining overall system simplicity, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and flow rate stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid flow resistance assembly includes a fluid pathway. A width of the fluid pathway orthogonal to a flow of fluid through the fluid pathway varies along its length. Positioning of one or more ports at different locations over the fluid pathway at different locations controls a flow rate of fluid.