Flow Selector Alignment System for Infusion Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow selector devices for infusion pumps face issues with unauthorized or unsupervised adjustments to flow rates, leading to user errors due to incorrect alignment of the rotatable selector, resulting in inconsistent delivery of medicinal fluids.
Innovation Solution
An alignment system with a detachable knob and a cover that engages or disengages based on the alignment of axial recesses and ridges, ensuring the flow rate selection mechanism is properly aligned and locked, preventing incorrect settings and providing a secure, easy-to-use interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable selector mechanism is used for flow rate selection, then flow rate adjustment is enabled, but user error in alignment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment system consisting of a cover with alignment marks and a selector with corresponding alignment features. This intermediary mechanism mediates between the user's rotation action and the final selector position, providing visual feedback through alignment marks that ensure accurate positioning. The cover acts as a mediator that guides the user to the correct alignment, preventing user error while maintaining flow rate adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through visual alignment marks on the cover and corresponding alignment features on the selector. When the selector is rotated to a desired position, the alignment marks provide immediate visual feedback to confirm proper alignment. This feedback mechanism allows users to verify the selector position accurately, reducing alignment errors while maintaining the ability to adjust flow rates.
2Reliability
If a security cover is added to prevent unauthorized adjustment, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the security cover function with the alignment indication function into a single integrated component. The cover serves dual purposes: it protects the selector mechanism from unauthorized adjustment while simultaneously providing alignment marks that guide proper selector positioning. This merging eliminates the need for separate security and alignment features, reducing overall device complexity while achieving both security and usability goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides security protection and alignment guidance. By making the cover universal in its functions, the patent avoids adding separate mechanisms for security and alignment, thereby maintaining simplicity. The single cover structure performs multiple roles, reducing the overall complexity of the device while achieving both protection and accurate positioning.
3Measurement precision
If alignment marks are added to improve positioning accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements alignment marks using simple, inexpensive features such as molded-in indicators, printed marks, or basic mechanical references that can be easily incorporated during manufacturing. These alignment features are designed to be cost-effective, utilizing simple materials and processes suitable for disposable or single-use devices. The alignment marks are integrated into the cover and selector structures using economical methods, achieving high positioning accuracy without significantly increasing manufacturing costs.
Data Source
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AI summary
An alignment system for accurately setting the flow rate of a flow selector device, the system includes a flow selector device having a flow rate selection mechanism rotatable between a plurality of pre-selected positions; a knob providing a grip to rotate the flow rate selection mechanism, the knob having a distal portion, a proximal portion, and at least one registering element; and a cover movable between an open position providing access to the knob and a closed position restricting access to the knob, the cover further including at least one cover element that prevents closure when the registering element is misaligned with a pre-selected position.