Drip Chamber Check Valve for Secondary Infusion Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional intravenous infusion setups face challenges with administering multiple substances, particularly in oncology, due to issues with flow rate control, pressure differentials, and pulsatile pump intake, leading to delayed delivery of secondary fluids and potential mixing of primary and secondary fluids.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a check valve within the drip chamber of the primary delivery set, combined with a pressure damping mechanism and a bypass mechanism, to manage pressure pulses and prevent unintended flow from the primary container during secondary fluid delivery, while allowing for adjustable fluid release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a check valve is added to prevent unintended flow from primary container, then delivery accuracy of secondary fluids is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is integrated within the drip chamber assembly, combining multiple functions (flow direction control, air venting, fluid monitoring) into a single integrated component rather than separate parts, thereby improving delivery accuracy while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The drip chamber is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as an air vent, a flow rate indicator, a fluid collection point, and houses the check valve mechanism, making the component universal and reducing the need for additional separate components
2Ease of operation
If multiple substances are administered using gravity mode setup, then ease of operation is improved, but flow rate control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve acts as an intermediary mechanism that automatically regulates flow between primary and secondary containers by responding to pressure differentials, providing precise flow control without requiring manual intervention or complex gravity-based setups
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve mechanism automatically controls flow direction and prevents unintended flow based on pressure conditions without requiring external control or monitoring, enabling self-regulating multi-substance administration
3Ease of manufacture
If check valve and pressure damping mechanism are integrated, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve, pressure damping mechanism, and drip chamber are designed as an integrated assembly that can be manufactured as a single unit or pre-assembled module, reducing the number of separate manufacturing steps and lowering overall production costs despite the functional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The drip chamber is divided into distinct functional zones (primary fluid path, secondary fluid path, air vent channel, check valve housing) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled, simplifying the manufacturing process for each component while maintaining the integrated functionality
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 solution ensures accurate and timely delivery of secondary fluids by minimizing unintended flow from the primary container, reducing the impact of pressure pulses, and integrating components to simplify manufacturing and reduce costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the enclosing wall that includes an elasticity that dampens a pressure pulse from the infusion pump
Implementation Method 2
An air holding portion of the drip chamber includes an elasticity that dampens a pressure pulse from the infusion pump
Data Source
AI summary
A device for managing fluid is provided. The device includes: a drip chamber including: an inlet; and outlet; a check valve positioned between the inlet and the outlet, the check valve configured for managing fluid flowing between the inlet and the outlet; and an elastic element. The combination of the check valve and the elastic element limits the extent to which the one way valve may be opened by brief transient pressures appearing at the outlet of the drip chamber. This limiting effect improves the accuracy of fluid delivery in setups such as ‘piggyback’ or Secondary Mode infusions of two fluids using a single pump.