Integrated Filter Check Valve for IV Backflow Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Contaminants in intravenous (IV) fluid delivery systems can interfere with the operation of check valves, leading to backflow and improper drug delivery due to embedded particles compromising the sealing function.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a filter medium directly into the check valve housing, which is bonded to the thermoplastic elements, providing a robust structure that prevents contaminants from reaching the sealing area and supports the diaphragm against high back pressures, thus reducing assembly costs and improving mechanical strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate filter component is used upstream of the check valve, then contaminant particles can be trapped, but device complexity and assembly costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecheck valve sealing functionVSAvoidassembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the filter and check valve into a single integrated assembly where the filter is positioned upstream of the check valve within the same housing structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate filter components and reduces assembly complexity while maintaining contaminant trapping functionality and check valve sealing performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate components are assembled to create the check valve assembly, then manufacturing flexibility is maintained, but assembly costs and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing flexibilityVSAvoidassembly steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated filter-check valve assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: an upstream filter section for contaminant trapping and a downstream check valve section for backflow prevention. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard molding techniques while being integrated into a single assembly, maintaining manufacturing flexibility without requiring complex multi-step assembly processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 integrated filter check valve design effectively prevents contaminants from interfering with sealing, reducing the risk of backflow and ensuring proper drug delivery while reducing production costs and assembly complexity.

Implementation Method 1

Filter medium disposed in the housing between the entrance port and the valve seat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a flexible diaphragm responsive to fluid flow through the cavity is positioned adjacent to the valve seat to seal against the valve seat with fluid flow from the exit port to the entrance port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS9421354B2Check valve with integrated filter

Publication Date: 2016.08.23 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

A check valve suitable for use with IV sets and the like provides an upstream filter preventing contamination from affecting the sealing of the check valve membrane. The filter may employ filter media that is integrally bonded to the housing of the filter providing simple and robust construction.