Flow-Activated Valve for Pressure Transducer Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressure transducer protection devices in medical fluid delivery systems are not adequately automated to isolate pressure transducers from damaging fluid pressures during angiographic procedures, leading to potential damage and interruptions in monitoring vascular pressures.
Innovation Solution
A fluid delivery system with a flow-based pressure isolation mechanism that includes a housing with an inlet port, an isolation port, and a free-floating valve member that automatically closes to prevent fluid flow between the ports upon initiation of fluid injection, using a filter to prevent air from entering the internal cavity when wetted with fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a manual or automated contrast injection mechanism is used to deliver fluid at high pressure, then the fluid delivery capability is improved, but the pressure transducer is exposed to damaging pressures
Solution Approach 1:
A flow-activated valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the high-pressure fluid path and the pressure transducer. This valve automatically closes when fluid flows through the injection mechanism, blocking the high-pressure fluid from reaching the transducer while still allowing the transducer to monitor pressure through the valve body structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a valve is used to isolate the pressure transducer during injection, then the pressure transducer is protected from damaging pressures, but the operator must manually control the valve which leads to fatigue and variability
Solution Approach 1:
The flow-activated valve is designed to automatically respond to fluid flow conditions without requiring manual operation. When fluid flows through the injection mechanism, the valve automatically closes to protect the transducer. When fluid flow stops, the valve automatically opens to allow pressure monitoring. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates operator fatigue and variability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the pressure transducer is isolated from the fluid path during injection, then the transducer is protected from damaging pressures, but continuous pressure monitoring is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The flow-activated valve maintains continuous pressure monitoring capability while protecting the transducer during injection. The valve body structure allows pressure signals to pass through to the transducer even when the valve is closed to block fluid flow. This ensures that pressure monitoring does not need to be interrupted when the transducer is protected from damaging pressures.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a manual valve control system is used, then the pressure transducer can be isolated when needed, but operator error and distractions increase during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The flow-activated valve automatically responds to fluid flow conditions without requiring manual operation. When fluid flows through the injection mechanism, the valve automatically closes to protect the transducer. When fluid flow stops, the valve automatically opens to allow pressure monitoring. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates operator fatigue and variability.
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 system effectively protects pressure transducers from damaging pressures while allowing continuous monitoring of hemodynamic pressures, reducing operator error and minimizing distractions during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A flow initiating mechanism is associated with the isolation port and is adapted to initiate flow around the valve member such that the valve member operates to a closed position substantially upon flow initiation
Implementation Method 2
A filter is disposed in a bore defined in a retainer associated to a branch lumen of the internal cavity. The bore is in fluid communication with the isolation port and the filter is generally adapted to prevent air from entering the internal cavity when wetted with fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The fluid delivery system includes a pressurizing device for delivering a pressurized injection fluid, a low pressure fluid delivery system, and a pressure isolation mechanism adapted for fluid communication with the pressurizing device and low pressure fluid delivery system. The pressure isolation mechanism includes a housing defining an inlet port, an isolation port, and an internal cavity. The housing defines a seal seat in the internal cavity between the inlet port and isolation port. A valve member is disposed in the internal cavity. The valve member is free floating in the internal cavity and is adapted to engage the seal seat. The valve member has an open position permitting fluid communication between the inlet port and isolation port, and is fluid flow responsive to fluid flow in the inlet port to engage the seal seat and attain a closed position preventing fluid flow between the inlet port and isolation port.