Disposable Flow Set With Coded Keys For Pump Compatibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid administration systems for patients lack safety features to ensure correct installation and prevention of over-stretching of pumping tube-segments, leading to potential misuse or inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A disposable flow set equipped with an identifying-key and a stretching-key that ensures correct installation and prevents over-stretching by using a coded system of teeth and pressure-sensors to verify compatibility and maintain the tube's tension within a predetermined range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a disposable flow set is used for liquid administration, then safety and ease of use are improved, but the risk of incorrect installation and tube over-stretching increases without proper identification and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The flow set performs self-identification through the identifying-key with its coded teeth pattern, automatically verifying compatibility with the pump without requiring manual checking or complex setup procedures by the operator
Solution Approach 2:
The stretching-key provides mechanical feedback through the pressure sensor system, detecting when the tube reaches the predetermined tension limit and preventing further stretching, thereby ensuring correct installation parameters are maintained
2Reliability
If an identifying-key with coded teeth is implemented, then compatibility verification is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The identifying-key uses variations in tooth parameters (number, spacing, dimensions) to encode compatibility information, allowing multiple differentiation levels without requiring fundamentally different structural designs
Solution Approach 2:
The coded teeth pattern creates an asymmetric identification system where specific tooth arrangements provide unique identification codes, enabling the pump to distinguish between different flow set types through a relatively simple mechanical interface
3Strength
If a stretching-key with pressure sensor is used to prevent over-stretching, then tube integrity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stretching-key acts as an intermediary mechanical device between the operator and the tube, providing a physical stop and pressure sensor feedback that prevents over-stretching without requiring complex electronic control systems or active monitoring by the operator
Solution Approach 2:
The stretching-key is pre-configured with a stop position that corresponds to the maximum safe tube tension, automatically preventing over-stretching before it can occur during the installation process
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A disposable flow set (10) is disclosed that comprises a stretching-key (13) connected to a pumping tube-segment (12b), the stretching-key (13) being disposed on the pumping tube-segment (12b) at a distance from an identifying-key (14) and having a unique pattern to be inserted into a compatible recess (21b) in a specific liquid pump (21) to prevent insertion of the disposable flow set (10) in a non-compatible liquid pump (21) and to maintain the pumping tube-segment (12b) in position when inserted into the liquid pump (21).