Drip Chamber Plunger for Fluid Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drip chambers for fluid administration systems are cumbersome and imprecise due to multiple parts and complex flow regulation, requiring multiple pumping for priming and lacking precision in fluid flow control.
Innovation Solution
A drip chamber design featuring a reservoir with a moveable plunger element that can be linearly or rotationally positioned to regulate fluid flow through a fluid conducting channel, allowing for easy priming and precise control of fluid flow without the need for additional flow regulators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a drip chamber uses multiple parts (hard spike structure and soft reservoir) for puncturing and priming, then the device can perform fluid puncturing and manual priming functions, but the assembly becomes complex and the priming process becomes cumbersome requiring multiple pumping actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spike structure and reservoir into a single integrated component made of elastomeric material. The spike is formed as part of the reservoir body, eliminating the need for separate hard and soft components. This integration reduces assembly complexity while maintaining both puncturing and priming functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric reservoir with integrated spike serves multiple functions: it can be manually squeezed for priming, automatically expands to puncture the fluid bag, and provides the fluid containment function. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.
2Ease of operation
If a drip chamber uses a roller clamp for flow regulation, then the device can control fluid flow to the patient, but the flow regulation precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static roller clamp mechanism with a dynamic valve integrated into the outlet orifice. The valve can be adjusted to different positions to dynamically control the flow rate, providing precise flow regulation. The valve's movable structure allows for incremental adjustments to achieve the desired flow precision.
3Measurement precision
If precision flow regulators are used for gravity infusion, then the fluid flow control precision is improved, but the device construction becomes complex and requires additional gluing connections for inline mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the precision flow regulator valve directly into the reservoir body as an outlet orifice with built-in valve mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate precision flow regulator components and their associated gluing connections. The valve is formed as part of the reservoir, simplifying both construction and assembly while maintaining flow control precision.
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 design simplifies assembly, reduces the number of components, and enables precise control of fluid flow, making the priming process easier and eliminating the need for complex downstream flow regulators.
Implementation Method 1
a drip chamber for a fluid administration system, comprising: a reservoir (3, 3') comprising an inlet orifice (5) at a top end region (13A) for inserting a fluid, and an outlet orifice (7) at a bottom end region (13B), wherein the bottom end region (13B) is located in gravitational direction opposite and below the top end region (13A)
Data Source
AI summary
A drip chamber for a fluid administration system, comprising: a reservoir (3, 3′) comprising an inlet orifice (5) at a top end region (13A) for inserting a fluid, and an outlet orifice (7, 7′) at a bottom end region (13B), wherein the bottom end region (13B) is located in gravitational direction opposite and below the top end region (13A), wherein a plunger element (11, 11′) moveably arranged within the reservoir (3, 3′) between a first position in the top end region (13A) and a second position in the bottom end region (13B), wherein the plunger element (11, 11′) comprises a fluid conducting channel (15) for regulating the flow of fluid from the inside of the reservoir (3, 3′) to the outlet orifice (7, 7′) when the plunger element (11, 11′) is located in the second position.