Integrated Convergent-Divergent Drip Chamber With Floating Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
IV sets experience under-infusion of secondary drugs due to backflow into the primary line, primarily caused by check valve failure from debris accumulation and pressure differentials, leading to uneven drug delivery and potential backflow.
Innovation Solution
A drip chamber device with a housing and a movable valve member that blocks fluid communication based on fluid levels, using a buoyant force to prevent secondary fluid backflow into the primary line, featuring a convergent-divergent shape and a sealing ring to ensure fluid containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a check valve is positioned in the primary line to prevent backflow, then backflow prevention is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to check valve failure from debris accumulation and pressure differentials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the check valve component entirely and replaces it with a passive buoyant valve mechanism. The valve member is extracted from the active checking function and replaced by a float-valve system that uses buoyancy to automatically prevent backflow without mechanical sealing surfaces that can fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member automatically responds to fluid level changes through buoyant force, eliminating the need for external actuation or complex control systems. The system self-regulates based on the natural physical properties of the fluid and valve member interaction.
2Device complexity
If a conventional drip chamber is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and reliability of fluid control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drip chamber functionality with the valve mechanism into a single integrated housing structure. The chamber and valve are merged into one component system, eliminating separate parts and improving manufacturing precision while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is designed to be movable rather than fixed, dynamically responding to fluid level changes. This dynamic design allows precise fluid control through buoyancy-driven position changes while maintaining a simple overall structure.
3Reliability
If multiple components are used to prevent backflow, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the check valve and other complex backflow prevention components, achieving reliable backflow prevention through a simple buoyant valve member and sealing ring assembly that uses fundamental physical principles.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member and sealing ring are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily replaced if needed. The design prioritizes cost-effectiveness and simplicity while maintaining adequate reliability through proper material selection and basic mechanical design.
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
Prevents under-infusion and backflow of secondary drugs into the primary line, ensuring equal proportion delivery and reducing the risk of drug dilution, while minimizing component count and cost, and compatibility with existing IV pumps.
Implementation Method 1
The valve member may be displaceable in a proximal direction into the sealing ring by a buoyant force when fluid level in the chamber exceeds a predetermined level
Data Source
AI summary
A drip chamber device may include a housing including an inlet and an outlet disposed downstream of the inlet, and a chamber defined by an inner circumferential surface of the housing. The chamber may fluidly connect the inlet with the outlet. A valve member may be disposed in the chamber to move between (i) a closed state where fluid communication between the inlet and the chamber is blocked, and (ii) an open state where fluid communication between the inlet and the chamber is not blocked, based on a level of fluid within the chamber.