Elastomeric One-Way Valve for Medical Fluid Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing one-way medical valves are prone to sticking due to biological fluids, are often made from latex which can cause allergic reactions and is hydrophilic, leading to swelling, and have gaps that result in unintended leakage, making them cumbersome and ineffective for continuous fluid drainage.
Innovation Solution
A compact one-way valve apparatus with a housing and an elastomeric valve made from non-reactive materials like polyurethane, formed from flat sheets joined along longitudinal edges using radiofrequency energy, ensuring a seamless and non-stick surface to prevent backflow and leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a rubbery latex-type valve material is used, then the valve can be formed to permit fluid entry and drainage, but the valve sticks closed when biological fluids dry in the passage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from latex to silicone rubber, which has different surface properties that prevent biological fluids from sticking and drying, thereby eliminating the sticking problem while maintaining manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses silicone rubber as a composite material that combines the desired flexibility and formability with surface properties that resist adhesion of biological fluids, solving both manufacturing and reliability concerns
2Device complexity
If a round tube pressed into flat configuration is used, then the valve can be simplified in structure, but gaps are left at edges that permit unintended leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the valve structure into multiple flat sheets joined together along longitudinal edges, creating a seamless configuration that eliminates gaps while maintaining structural simplicity and preventing leakage
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of pressing a round tube into flat configuration (which creates gaps), the patent inverts the approach by starting with flat sheets and joining them to form the valve, thereby eliminating the gap problem inherent in the traditional method
3Adaptability or versatility
If latex material is used, then the valve can be made flexible and formable, but allergic reactions occur and the material swells when picking up water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces latex with silicone rubber, a different material composition that maintains the necessary flexibility and formability while eliminating the harmful effects of allergic reactions and water-induced swelling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from latex to silicone rubber, fundamentally altering the chemical composition to eliminate immunogenicity and hydrophilic swelling while preserving mechanical flexibility
4Reliability
If a cumbersome drainage apparatus with fluid traps and receptacles is used, then backflow prevention is achieved, but the patient must be confined to bed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential backflow prevention function from the cumbersome multi-component drainage apparatus and incorporates it into a compact one-way valve design, eliminating the need for large fluid traps and receptacles while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the backflow prevention mechanism with the drainage function into a single integrated one-way valve unit, eliminating the need for separate fluid traps and receptacles, thereby enabling patient mobility
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 provides a reliable, compact, and non-reactive valve that effectively prevents backflow, minimizes leakage, and maintains functionality even with biological fluids, enhancing patient mobility and safety during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
formed from flat sheets joined along longitudinal edges using radiofrequency energy
Data Source
AI summary
A one-way valve apparatus for use in draining fluid from a patient comprises a housing having an inlet end, an outlet end and a valve-receiving chamber therebetween. A valve is positioned in the chamber. The valve has an inlet end, an outlet end and a fluid pathway extending therebetween. The valve is made up of first and second generally flat elongated members joined along respective longitudinal edges. The valve inlet end is engaged with the housing inlet end to comprise an open end for receiving fluid to be drained. The valve outlet end is in a normally closed position. The valve is adapted to partially open to permit drainage of fluid received through the pathway, and to return to the normally closed position upon drainage of the fluid. The valve outlet end communicates with the housing outlet end such that the drained fluid passes from the valve outlet end through the housing outlet end. The valve may be formed from an elastomeric material, and may be provided with a lubricious filler and/or a lubricous coating.