Adjustable Flow Resistor Priming for Rapid Air Exhaust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid transfer systems, particularly in healthcare settings, face challenges in efficiently removing air from fluid lines, which can lead to medical complications and even death if air is introduced into a patient's vein.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a flow resistor with an adjustable channel and a priming device with an elongated portion that can be inserted into the flow resistor to adjust the output flow rate, allowing air to be efficiently exhausted from the fluid lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flow resistor is used to control fluid flow passively, then flow control is achieved without active components, but air removal from fluid lines becomes inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The flow resistor incorporates an adjustable flow channel that can dynamically change its resistance characteristics. During priming operation, the flow channel is adjusted to a higher flow rate configuration to rapidly remove air from the fluid line. Once priming is complete, the flow channel is adjusted to a lower flow rate configuration for controlled fluid delivery. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for air removal speed when needed and for flow control precision when not needed.
2Productivity
If the flow channel is adjusted to increase output flow rate for rapid air removal, then air exhaustion efficiency improves, but fluid flow control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the flow channel configuration based on operational mode. A priming mechanism temporarily modifies the flow channel geometry to maximize flow rate for rapid air removal. After air is removed, the priming mechanism retracts and the flow channel returns to its precision-controlled configuration for accurate fluid delivery. This temporal separation of functions resolves the contradiction between high productivity during priming and high precision during infusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control system is segmented into distinct functional zones: a priming zone with high-flow characteristics for air removal, and a delivery zone with precision-flow characteristics for controlled infusion. The adjustable flow channel allows the system to selectively activate different segments based on operational requirements, enabling rapid air removal without compromising subsequent flow control accuracy.
3Device complexity
If passive flow resistors are designed with fixed structure, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different pressure conditions and applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flow resistor incorporates an adjustable flow channel that can be modified during operation, transforming a previously fixed-structure passive resistor into a dynamically adaptable component. This adjustment capability allows the same device to function effectively across different pressure conditions and application requirements without increasing overall device complexity significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of the flow channel (such as cross-sectional area or length of the restrictive portion) to adapt to different operating conditions. By modifying these parameters, the flow resistor can optimize its performance for different pressure differentials, fluid viscosities, and flow rate requirements, greatly enhancing its versatility across various medical infusion applications.
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 enables rapid and efficient removal of air from fluid lines, reducing the risk of medical complications and improving the safety and accuracy of fluid infusions.
Implementation Method 1
Passive flow resistors are commonly used to control flow but their accuracy are dependent on maintaining a fairly constant pressure
Implementation Method 2
Flow can be controlled by setting the pressure differential, the resistance, or both
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for exhausting air from a flow pathway are provided. The systems can include a flow resistor having an input coupled to a fluid source and an outlet to output a fluid at an output flow rate, the flow resistor including an adjustable flow channel for modifying the output flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow resistor; and a priming device having an elongated portion, the elongated portion being substantially rigid axially and configured for insertion through the outlet of the flow resistor to engage the flow resistor and adjust the output flow rate to allow air to be exhausted from the flow pathway through the flow resistor.