Elastomeric Bladder Reservoir With Bi-Directional Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical infusion systems are complex, require significant user skill and strength for setup, and are prone to errors and accidental device connections, leading to potential health risks and device damage.
Innovation Solution
A pressurized fluid reservoir with an expandable elastomeric bladder and a bi-directional valve for simplified connection and dispensing, reducing the number of ports and eliminating the need for clamps or stop-cocks, while allowing for a low-profile design and easier manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ports and connectors are used for filling and dispensing, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and user error risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filling port and dispensing port into a single bi-directional valve assembly. The valve allows the same port to receive fluid during filling and dispense fluid during infusion, eliminating the need for separate ports and reducing connection complexity while maintaining full functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The bi-directional valve serves multiple functions: it acts as both a filling port and a dispensing port, and it provides both fluid passage and flow control capabilities. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed while maintaining all necessary operational capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If clamps and stop-cocks are used for flow control, then flow regulation capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to skill requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes clamps and stop-cocks from the system entirely. Flow control is achieved through the bi-directional valve's inherent flow characteristics and the elastomeric bladder's pressure dynamics, eliminating the need for user-manipulated flow control mechanisms that require significant skill.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the elastomeric bladder's elastic properties to automatically regulate flow. As the bladder expands and contracts, it self-regulates pressure and flow rate without requiring external intervention or skilled manipulation of control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard luer fittings are used for connections, then ease of manufacture and adaptability are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric connection interfaces that are specifically designed to prevent incorrect connections. The male and female connectors have unique geometries that only allow proper alignment and connection, eliminating the possibility of accidental connections while maintaining ease of manufacture.
4Strength
If thick-walled elastomeric bladders are used to maintain structural integrity, then strength is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to higher inflation pressure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin-walled elastomeric bladder that leverages the material's inherent flexibility and elastic properties. The thin wall allows easy expansion during inflation while the elastomeric material provides sufficient strength and durability through its viscoelastic characteristics, eliminating the need for thick walls.
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 enhances user safety by reducing the risk of errors and device damage, simplifies the infusion process, and allows for easier handling and use by non-medical professionals, while maintaining effective fluid delivery and flow regulation.
Implementation Method 1
exerting pressure on the therapeutic substance contained therein to force the same from the bladder
Implementation Method 2
a bi-directional valve which is in fluid communication with the chamber of the elastomeric bladder. The bi-directional valve is used for receiving therapeutic substance for at least partially filling the chamber and for dispensing therapeutic substance therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid reservoir for a medical infusion system includes an expandable elastomeric bladder defining a chamber for receiving and containing a volume of therapeutic substance and exerting pressure thereon to dispense the therapeutic substance from the bladder. The bladder has preferably a single port formed through the thickness thereof. A bi-directional valve is in fluid communication with the chamber of the elastomeric bladder and is used for filling the bladder chamber with the therapeutic substance and for connecting to a catheter assembly for dispensing the therapeutic substance to a patient undergoing treatment. The single port of the elastomeric bladder is connected to a medical grade flexible tubing, which is also connected to the bi-directional valve.