Core Pin Assembly for Dual Valve Channels in Enteral Feeding Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming molded components with valves fail to efficiently create compact designs with two independent valves and common downstream channels, which are necessary for applications like pressure monitoring and fluid distribution in medical devices, due to the lack of a reliable and efficient system for producing such components with low waste and high-speed production.
Innovation Solution
A single core pin assembly comprising a first and second core pin, where the second core pin's end joins with the first core pin to form a common downstream channel, allowing for the creation of molded components with two independent valve channels and a shared fluid pathway, using a moldable material like thermoplastic polymer and securing valves with an adhesive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate core pins are used to form independent valve channels, then each valve channel can be formed independently, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple core pins (first core pin and second core pin) into a single integrated core pin assembly. The first core pin forms the first valve channel, the second core pin forms the second valve channel, and they join at the downstream end to form a common downstream channel. This merging approach maintains the ability to form independent valve channels while reducing the number of separate components, thereby decreasing device complexity and manufacturing difficulty.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact design with two independent valves and common downstream channel is achieved, then space is optimized for medical devices, but the manufacturing process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The core pin assembly is segmented into distinct functional sections: the first core pin section for forming the first valve channel, the second core pin section for forming the second valve channel, and the joining section for forming the common downstream channel. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness, making the molding process more manageable and easier to manufacture.
3Productivity
If high-speed production with low waste is achieved, then productivity increases, but the manufacturing precision requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The core pin assembly is pre-configured with the exact geometry and positioning of the first core pin, second core pin, and their joining section before the molding process begins. The channels are pre-formed with precise dimensions and orientations during the core pin manufacturing stage, ensuring that when the plastic material is injected and cooled, the valve channels are formed with high precision automatically, enabling high-speed production without compromising accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
A single core pin assembly (10) having a first core pin (12) and at least one second core pin (14), the first core pin (12) having a first end (16), a second end (18) and a first core pin body (20). The first core pin body (20) connects the first end (16) and the second end (18). The second core pin (14) has a first end (24), a second end (26), and a second core pin body (28) connecting the second core pin first end (24) and the second core pin second end (26). The second core pin first end (24) is configured to join with the first core pin first end (16) to form a common downstream channel (30). The core pin (10) may be placed in a mold and surrounded by a flowable material (e.g. plastic) to form a work piece.