Disposable Valve Device for Infusion Sets
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing one-way valve devices for infusion sets are inadequate in preventing air ingress, especially under static overpressure conditions, and have large dimensions and high production costs due to complex structures, limiting their suitability for both infusion pumps and gravity-based systems.
Innovation Solution
The design features two pressure chambers arranged one behind the other, with seals connected in series, allowing for reduced dimensions and adjustable opening pressure, enabling use with both infusion pumps and gravity-based systems, and facilitating easier production and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single pressure chamber with a seal is used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot reliably prevent air ingress under both negative and overpressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The valve device divides the pressure chamber into two separate sections (first pressure chamber and second pressure chamber) with distinct seals (first seal and second seal). Each seal independently prevents air ingress from different pressure conditions, achieving reliable air ingress prevention while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through functional segmentation.
2Reliability
If two pressure chambers are arranged side by side, then air ingress prevention is improved, but the device dimensions become excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The two pressure chambers are arranged in series along the flow direction rather than side by side, transitioning from a parallel spatial arrangement to a sequential one. This dimensional reorganization allows both chambers to occupy overlapping footprints while maintaining functional independence, significantly reducing the device's overall footprint while preserving dual-pressure protection capability.
3Reliability
If complex sealing mechanisms are used to prevent air ingress, then reliability improves, but manufacturing cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve employs flexible membrane seals (first seal and second seal) that are prestressed between sealing surfaces. These thin-film membranes provide reliable sealing under varying pressure conditions while being cost-effective to manufacture and integrate into the valve housing, avoiding the need for complex mechanical sealing mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the valve is designed for high opening pressure, then it works with infusion pumps, but it cannot be used with gravity-based infusion systems
Solution Approach 1:
The valve design incorporates dynamic pressure response through two independently functioning seals that respond to different pressure conditions. The first seal handles negative pressure (suction) while the second seal handles overpressure, allowing the valve to adapt its sealing behavior to match the operating characteristics of both pump-driven and gravity-based infusion systems across a wide pressure range.
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 solution effectively prevents air ingress and ensures reliable infusion liquid transport, reducing the risk of embolism and overdose, while being more cost-effective and suitable for various infusion methods, including those using gravitational pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a seal (61, 62) located in a pressure chamber (12), which rests under prestress between sealing ring lips (9, 13)
Implementation Method 2
the flow is interrupted by a static negative pressure present at the inlet and/or outlet pipe or an overpressure at the outlet pipe
Implementation Method 3
the flow is interrupted by a static negative pressure present at the inlet and/or outlet pipe
Implementation Method 4
an overpressure at the outlet pipe
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a disposable valve device, in particular a low pressure non-return valve for use for a fusion set, preferably for gravity infusion and pump infusion, consisting of a housing with a supply line and outlet pipe and at least one seal placed in a pressure chamber. Inside the housing (2, 3), that is essentially inside the receiving area within the main part (2), two valve disks (51, 52) are arranged with an inner housing part (53) inbetween them.