Drip Chamber Ring Handling for Overmolding-Free Infusion Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drip chamber assemblies for medical infusion systems are complex in manufacturing, requiring overmolding for a fluid-tight joint and handling element, limiting ergonomic adaptability and increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
A separate handling element is manufactured independently and attached to the drip chamber parts, forming a ring-shaped structure for ergonomic grip, using material and positive-locking joints, eliminating the need for overmolding and allowing synchronous production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If overmolding process is used to form fluid-tight joint and handling element simultaneously, then fluid-tight integrity is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and investment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the drip chamber assembly into separate components: the drip chamber (with fluid-tight joint between upper and lower parts) and the handling element. The handling element is manufactured separately and attached to the drip chamber, eliminating the need for complex overmolding that would otherwise be required to create both the fluid-tight joint and handling element simultaneously. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by simplifying manufacturing while maintaining fluid-tight integrity through the separate but precisely fitted components.
2Ease of operation
If overmolding process is used to form handling element, then handling functionality is provided, but ergonomic adaptability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the handling element from the drip chamber assembly, the patent enables independent design and optimization of the handling element's ergonomic features. The handling element can be manufactured with various shapes, sizes, and surface characteristics specifically tailored for comfortable gripping, without being constrained by the requirements of the fluid-tight joint formation process. This resolves the contradiction between providing handling functionality and achieving ergonomic adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling element is designed with specific local characteristics optimized for human interaction, such as rounded contours, appropriate thickness for finger accommodation, and surface properties that facilitate gripping. These local quality features are independent of the drip chamber's functional requirements, allowing the handling element to be optimized specifically for ergonomic handling while the drip chamber maintains its fluid-tight integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If overmolding is used for simultaneous formation of joint and handling element, then both functions are integrated, but production costs and investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs segmentation by manufacturing the handling element and drip chamber separately through simpler, more cost-effective processes. The handling element can be produced using standard injection molding or other conventional manufacturing methods, and the drip chamber can be assembled with its fluid-tight joint through proven techniques. This eliminates the need for expensive overmolding equipment and complex multi-step integrated processes, thereby reducing investment costs and production complexity while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
4Productivity
If handling element is manufactured separately, then production flexibility and cost-effectiveness improve, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handling element is designed with pre-formed attachment features such as recesses, protrusions, or adhesive surfaces that enable straightforward connection to the drip chamber. The drip chamber is also prepared with corresponding features during its manufacturing process. This preliminary preparation of attachment interfaces ensures that the separate manufacturing of the handling element does not lead to complex assembly procedures, thereby maintaining production flexibility and flexibility while minimizing assembly complexity.
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
Enables cost-effective, ergonomic, and reliable handling with improved structural adaptability, reducing production complexity and investment costs while maintaining fluid-tight integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The handling element is joined in an adhesive manner to an outer wall section of the drip chamber upper part and/or to an outer wall section of the drip chamber lower part by means of an adhesive joint
Implementation Method 2
Cold welding and solvent-based bonding have proven to be particularly suitable methods for forming the first joint
Implementation Method 3
Cold welding and solvent-based bonding have proven to be particularly suitable methods for forming the first joint
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
2.1 A drip chamber arrangement comprising a drip chamber upper part having an inlet for introducing a medical fluid into the drip chamber and a drip chamber lower part having an outlet for draining the medical fluid from the drip chamber, wherein the drip chamber upper part and the drip chamber lower part are joined together by means of a fluid-tight first joint to form the drip chamber, is known. 2.2 According to the invention, a handling element manufactured separately from the first joint is provided, which surrounds the drip chamber in a circumferential direction, at least partially, in a ring-like manner. 2.3 Use in infusion therapy.