Dual-Ring Check Valve Sealing Against Particulate Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Check valves used in medical devices are prone to low flow leakage due to particulates getting caught between the elastomeric seal and the seal bead, which is exacerbated by dual seal beads requiring precise alignment to prevent gaps.
Innovation Solution
A check valve assembly with dual sealing rings, where an outer ring prevents particulates from reaching the inner ring, allowing the inner ring to fully close and seal fluid flow, comprising an inlet body with dual seal beads, an outlet body with a centering post, and a seal with inner and outer rings that engage with the beads in different positions to ensure a fully sealed state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single elastomeric seal is used in a check valve, then the device is simple to manufacture, but particulates can get caught between the seal and seal bead causing low flow leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The single elastomeric seal is divided into two separate seal beads (first seal bead and second seal bead) positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows each seal bead to handle different aspects of the sealing function, preventing particulates from compromising the seal while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular assembly
2Reliability
If dual seal beads are used to prevent particulate interference, then sealing reliability improves, but the seal beads must be exactly the same height to eliminate gaps which increases manufacturing precision requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying solely on precise height alignment in one dimension, the invention positions the two seal beads at different axial locations along the flow path. This dimensional redistribution allows each seal bead to seal at its optimal position without requiring exact height matching, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining reliable sealing
3Reliability
If the inner seal fully engages with the first seal bead to prevent leakage, then sealing reliability improves, but this may increase friction and reduce ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented across two seal beads positioned at different locations, with the first seal bead engaging the inner seal and the second seal bead providing additional sealing. This segmentation distributes the sealing load and creates a staged sealing mechanism that maintains reliability while reducing friction during operation
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
Prevents low flow leakage by ensuring the inner seal can fully close without particulate interference, enhancing safety and reducing risks in medical fluid flow applications.
Implementation Method 1
an outer ring prevents particulates from reaching the inner ring
Implementation Method 2
the inner ring is flexed away from the first seal bead and the outer ring is flexed away from the second seal bead in an open fluid flow position
Implementation Method 3
a stem having a centering post, the centering post configured to be received by the central channel of the inlet body
Data Source
AI summary
Check valve assemblies for fluid flow sets and devices are provided. The check valve assembly includes an inlet body including a fluid inlet, first and second seal beads, and a central channel. An outlet body includes a fluid outlet and a stem having a centering post, the centering post received by the central channel of the inlet body. A seal includes inner and outer rings, wherein the inner ring is configured to engage with the first seal bead and the outer ring is configured to engage with the second seal bead in a fully sealed position of the check valve assembly. Fluid flow sets and methods for manufacturing check valve assemblies are also provided.