Deformable Valve Membrane for Tolerance-Robust IV Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current valve mechanisms for IV infusion pumps require tight tolerances in design and manufacturing, increasing costs and complexity, and are sensitive to manufacturing variations, which complicates the operation and reliability of fluid flow control.
Innovation Solution
A valve design utilizing a flexible valve membrane that operates within a rigid valve seat, providing a restorative force to open the valve when the actuation force is removed, eliminating the need for a retraction mechanism and reducing the number of parts in the pump assembly, thereby simplifying the actuation mechanism and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tight tolerance specifications are used for the actuation feature and valve design to ensure complete closure of the fluid path, then the reliability of fluid flow control is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the valve mechanism by using a deformable membrane instead of a rigid actuation feature. This allows the valve to achieve complete closure through elastic deformation of the membrane under fluid pressure, eliminating the need for tight manufacturing tolerances on actuation features while maintaining reliable fluid path closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pinching action of rigid fingers with a fluid-actuated deformable membrane system. The membrane deforms in response to fluid pressure differential, automatically closing the valve without requiring precisely manufactured mechanical actuation features, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If tight tolerance specifications are used for the actuation feature and valve design to ensure proper operation, then the reliability of valve operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex retraction mechanism from the valve system. The deformable membrane automatically returns to its original position when fluid pressure is released, removing the need for additional mechanical components responsible for actuation and retraction, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable membrane serves multiple functions automatically: it closes the valve when fluid pressure is applied and self-retracts when pressure is released. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for complex external control systems, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable valve operation through the membrane's inherent elastic properties.
3Measurement precision
If a retraction mechanism is included in the pump assembly to open the valve, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical retraction mechanisms with a fluid-actuated deformable membrane system. The membrane's elastic deformation in response to fluid pressure differential provides automatic valve opening and closing, eliminating the need for separate retraction mechanisms while maintaining precise fluid flow control through the membrane's responsive deformation characteristics.
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
This design enhances the reliability and reduces manufacturing costs by allowing the valve to function without tight tolerance requirements, improving the operational simplicity and effectiveness of fluid flow control in IV infusion pumps.
Implementation Method 1
A valve design utilizing a flexible valve membrane that operates within a rigid valve seat, providing a restorative force to open the valve when the actuation force is removed
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A valve for controlling delivery of fluid includes a valve seat comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a conical well having an opening, a beveled surface and a bottom, and a valve membrane comprising a conical potion having a base and a tip. The conical portion is configured to fit within the conical well of the valve seat. The valve membrane is configured to fluidly connect the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet when the valve membrane is in an undeformed position and fluidly disconnect the fluid inlet from the fluid outlet when the valve membrane is in a radially deformed position.