Curvilinear Swabable Valve Stem to Prevent Lodging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swabable valves with elastomeric valve stems can become lodged within the valve body when accessed at acute angles, leading to failure to return to the closed position, which is a limitation in medical applications where fluid containment and cleanliness are critical.
Innovation Solution
A swabable valve with a collapsible valve stem featuring a concave curvilinear upper surface extending rim-to-rim, with a specific radius of 0.208 inches, preventing lodging and ensuring the stem returns to its closed position while allowing effective cleaning and sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the valve stem is made with a flat upper surface for ease of cleaning, then the cleaning process is simple, but the valve stem becomes lodged within the valve body when accessed at acute angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by designing the upper surface of the valve stem with a specific concave radius (0.208 inches) instead of a flat surface. This curvilinear geometry prevents the valve stem from becoming lodged when accessed at acute angles while maintaining cleanability. The curved surface allows the stem to properly return to its closed position by guiding it along the arc path during insertion and removal operations.
2Reliability
If the concave radius of the curvilinear surface is increased to prevent lodging, then the valve stem reliably returns to closed position, but the surface becomes too deep for effective swabbing and cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by optimizing the concave radius parameter to a specific value of 0.208 inches. This parameter change creates the ideal balance where the curvature is sufficient to prevent lodging and ensure reliable return to the closed position, while simultaneously maintaining a depth that allows effective swabbing and cleaning access. The precise parameter specification transforms a qualitative design challenge into a quantifiable solution.
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 concave curvilinear surface design prevents valve stem lodging during acute angle access, ensuring reliable fluid containment and easy cleaning, with optimal results achieved at a 40 durometer rating and 0.208 inch radius, enhancing the valve's operational efficiency and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomeric properties of the valve stem resiliently move the valve stem outwardly to return to its normally-closed position within the valve body
Implementation Method 2
The concave curvilinear upper surface comprises a radius that is sufficient to prevent the collapsed valve stem from becoming lodged within the valve body upon collapsing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3E
Figure 3F~4B
AI summary
A swabable valve having a collapsible valve stem with a concave curvilinear upper surface extending from rim-to-rim of the valve stem, the concave curvilinear upper surface comprising a radius that is sufficient to prevent the collapsed valve stem from becoming lodged within the valve body upon collapsing thereby assuring that the collapsed valve stem will return to its closed position with the concave curvilinear upper surface substantially flush with the end of the valve.