Dual Check Valve Assembly for Contrast-Saline Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing check valve assemblies in medical imaging systems, such as those used in CT imaging, allow small amounts of contrast agent to mix with saline, leading to image false positives due to undesired fluid mixing, which complicates diagnostic accuracy and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A dual check valve assembly with diaphragms and guide ribs that prevent fluid mixing by directing flow through a central chamber, using deflecting barriers and protuberances to control deflection and maintain fluid separation, integrating the functions of two standard check valves and a Y connector into a single assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If check valves are separated from the connection joint, then the check valves can be independently positioned in saline and contrast lines, but small amounts of contrast may be drawn into the saline during a flush, causing fluid mixing and image false positives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate check valves and the connection joint into a single integrated assembly. The dual check valve assembly includes a common body with two inlet ports (one for saline, one for contrast) and a shared outlet port, eliminating the separate connection joint. This integration ensures that check valves are positioned at the exact point where fluids merge, preventing contrast from being drawn into the saline line during flushing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a deflecting barrier as an intermediary element within the common body of the dual check valve assembly. This barrier is positioned to deflect fluid flow and prevent direct communication between the saline and contrast inlet channels, thereby preventing fluid mixing while still allowing both fluids to pass through their respective check valves to the common outlet.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate check valves and a connection joint are used, then each fluid line can be independently controlled, but the system complexity increases with multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate components (saline check valve, contrast check valve, and connection joint) into a single dual check valve assembly. This integrated assembly maintains independent control of saline and contrast fluid lines through separate inlet ports and check valves, while reducing the total component count by eliminating the separate connection joint. The common body houses all necessary flow paths and check valve mechanisms in one unit.
3Ease of manufacture
If check valves are positioned away from the connection joint, then the valve mechanisms can be simpler, but fluid mixing occurs at the connection joint
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the check valves directly into the connection joint structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate connection joints. The common body of the dual check valve assembly is designed with internal flow paths and a deflecting barrier that ensure precise fluid separation at the point where saline and contrast lines converge, preventing mixing while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through a unified component design.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflecting barrier serves as an intermediary structure within the common body that precisely controls fluid flow paths. This barrier is positioned to deflect saline flow away from the contrast inlet channel and vice versa, ensuring accurate fluid separation at the connection point without requiring complex external positioning or additional sealing mechanisms.
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 reduces the likelihood of fluid mixing, enhancing diagnostic accuracy by minimizing false positives and reducing system complexity, thereby lowering costs and improving imaging results.
Implementation Method 1
A first diaphragm is seated over the first fluid inlet channel. At least a portion of the first diaphragm is configured to unseat over the first fluid inlet channel to allow the first fluid to pass
Implementation Method 2
The guide ribs are configured to guide fluid flow from the first and second inlet channels toward the fluid outlet channel
Implementation Method 3
A deflecting barrier is positioned between openings of the first and second fluid inlet channels
Data Source
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AI summary
A check valve assembly is configured to couple to a first container that retains a first fluid and a second container that retains a second fluid. The check valve includes a fluid inlet housing including a first fluid inlet port defining a first fluid inlet channel, and a second fluid inlet port defining a second fluid inlet channel. A fluid outlet housing is coupled to the fluid inlet housing. The fluid outlet housing includes a fluid outlet port defining a fluid outlet channel. A first diaphragm is seated over the first fluid inlet channel. At least a portion of the first diaphragm is configured to unseat over the first fluid inlet channel to allow the first fluid to pass from the first fluid inlet channel into the fluid outlet channel. A second diaphragm is seated over the second fluid inlet channel. At least a portion of the second diaphragm is configured to unseat over the first fluid inlet channel to allow the second fluid to pass from the second fluid inlet channel into the fluid outlet channel.