Medical Flow Regulator Integrated Scale Moulding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow regulators for medical liquids require multiple complex manufacturing steps and additional printing processes for graduated scales and pointers, increasing production costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The flow regulator integrates graduated scales and a gasket with overmoulded inserts and reliefs, eliminating the need for separate printing and simplifying moulding, with a single mould forming the second body and gasket, and a pointer formed as an integral appendage of the first body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate printing processes are used for graduated scales and pointers, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The graduated scales and pointers are integrated directly into the moulded structures of the first and second bodies. The scales are formed as integral features during the injection moulding process, eliminating the need for separate printing operations. This merging of functions reduces manufacturing steps while maintaining measurement precision through precise moulding.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple distinct operations are used for moulding components, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The first body, second body, and gasket are moulded in a single integrated operation using a multi-cavity or family mould. This allows all components to be produced simultaneously in one injection cycle, significantly increasing productivity while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled moulding parameters and consistent material properties across all components.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate assembly operations are used for components, then assembly precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is nested within the cavity formed by the first and second bodies, with the graduated scales and pointers integrated into the body structures. This nesting arrangement allows components to be housed within each other, reducing the number of separate assembly operations needed while maintaining precise alignment through integrated feature design.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow regulator for medical liquids comprising a first body and a second body coupled to one another in a rotatable way and a gasket set between them and overmolded on the second body. Provided thereon is at least one graduated scale formed by impressions and/or, respectively, by reliefs integral with the second body, and by inserts and/or, respectively, by complementary openings of a side skirt of the overmolded gasket.