Flow Regulator Locking Mechanism for Low Flow Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow regulators for low fluid rates lack a locking mechanism, leading to uncertainty in medication dosage delivery, potential tampering risks, and user difficulties in adjusting flow rates, which can result in prolonged hospital stays and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A flow regulator with a locking mechanism that allows permanent locking at a selected setting, featuring a graduated flow rate locking ring, a locking sleeve, and ergonomic grip surfaces to facilitate easy handling and secure flow rate adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to the flow regulator, then reliability of dosage delivery is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated within the existing regulator structure. The locking ring fits over the core element, the locking sleeve is positioned within the housing, and the lock key operates through a slot in the locking ring. These components are nested within each other and the existing regulator architecture, adding the locking function without requiring a completely separate mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-operating. The lock key rotates within the locking ring to engage or disengage the locking sleeve, which in turn locks or unlocks the flow rate setting. The system uses its own components (the key, ring, and sleeve) to perform the locking function without requiring external locking devices or complex additional mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the outer housing is made revolvable for adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between two states: unlocked and locked. When unlocked, the outer housing can rotate freely to allow adjustment of the flow rate. When locked, the locking mechanism prevents rotation to protect against tampering. This dynamic state change allows the same component to serve both adjustment and protection functions at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring acts as an intermediary component between the outer housing and the locking sleeve. It provides a interface for the lock key to operate and transmits the locking action to the sleeve, which then engages with the housing to prevent rotation. This intermediary structure enables the transition between adjustable and protected states.
3Device complexity
If the locking mechanism components are made compact, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult handling
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is provided with localized grip features (such as knurling or protrusions) at specific locations to facilitate handling. These local quality enhancements are applied only where needed for the locking operation, not throughout the entire component. This allows compact overall dimensions while providing adequate grip surfaces for the lock key and user fingers at critical locations.
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
Ensures accurate and secure medication delivery by allowing permanent locking of the flow rate, reducing tampering risks and improving user ease of use, enabling continuous infusion therapies while allowing for re-setting of flow rates as needed.
Implementation Method 1
an at least partly elastic diaphragm separating the two chambers and sealing an inlet to a discharge tube when pressure in said first chamber is higher than pressure in said second chamber
Implementation Method 2
a circular spring placed in the secondary chamber below said diaphragm and around the discharge tube
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the metering of fluids at low flow rates. More particularly, the invention provides a flow regulator for flows as low as about ½ ml per hour, provided with locking means for any set value within its range. The flow regulator comprises: an inner non-revolving core element, an outer housing, having a hollow base section and being revolvably supported co-axially with the core element, first and second chambers disposed between the core element and the outer housing, each chamber having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet of the first chamber and the inlet of the second chamber being connected by a flow restriction path, a diaphragm separating the two chambers and sealing an inlet to a discharge tube when pressure in the first chamber is higher than pressure in the second chamber, and a circular spring placed in the secondary chamber below the diaphragm and around the discharge tube. The major improvement being the addition of a graduated flow rate locking ring housing a disk-like body disposed between the outlet of the discharge tube and the base portion of the outer housing.