Flow-through Fluid Reservoir with Shaped Slot Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow-through fluid reservoirs in blood sampling systems face challenges in efficiently drawing whole blood samples without dilution by saline, and in providing precise control over the reservoir volume to prevent over-pulling or contamination.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a shaped slot and projection mechanism for telescopic movement of the actuator and body, with a shroud for easy manipulation, discrete stops for volume control, and a venting system to prevent contamination and airborne entry, facilitating precise volume adjustment and blood sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the actuator is manipulated to pull the movable member away from the body fluid port to increase chamber volume, then more blood can be drawn into the reservoir, but the risk of diluting the blood sample with saline increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is pre-filled with a specific volume of saline before use. The shaped slot and projection mechanism are designed to allow precise telescopic movement of the actuator, enabling the user to draw back a predetermined volume of blood without over-pulling. This preliminary preparation and precise mechanical control prevent dilution of the blood sample while ensuring adequate sample volume is collected.
2Volume of moving object
If the movable member is moved axially along the fluid flow path to vary chamber volume, then the reservoir can accommodate different fluid volumes, but control over the exact volume becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a dynamic telescopic mechanism where the actuator can move axially relative to the body through a shaped slot and projection. This dynamic structure allows the chamber volume to be varied continuously while maintaining precise control through the geometric constraints of the slot shape, enabling accurate volume adjustment without complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaped slot introduces a dimensional constraint that guides the telescopic movement of the projection. By defining a specific path through the slot geometry, the system converts simple axial movement into precisely controlled volume variation, adding geometric control without increasing mechanical complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple syringe-like design is used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but it lacks precise volume control and protection against contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is divided into distinct functional segments: the body containing the chamber, the actuator with the movable member, and the shaped slot mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using simple processes, then assembled together to provide precise volume control and contamination protection without requiring complex integrated manufacturing.
4Device complexity
If the reservoir is designed with minimal components, then assembly is simple, but manipulation of the movable member for volume adjustment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The shaped slot and projection are integrated into the actuator and body structures, combining the volume control mechanism with the manipulation interface. This merging allows the user to easily grasp and manipulate the actuator shell to vary chamber volume through the telescopic projection, all within a minimal component design that maintains both simplicity and usability.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow-through fluid reservoir includes a body with a first fluid port, a member movable within the body by an actuator to increase or decrease a volume of a chamber defined by a sidewall of the body. The actuator has a second fluid port. Movable member has a fluid path therethrough such that fluid ports are in fluid communication irrespective of the position of the movable member or the volume of chamber. A shaped slot on the shell of the actuator and a projection on the body cooperate to constrain relative movement of the body and actuator along a path corresponding to the shaped slot. The slot advantageously may include a stop intermediate therealong. A canted aspect of the slot may be used to initiate relative movement of the member within body. The body includes an end wall through which the first fluid port communicates. A shroud is defined by a coaxial extension of the sidewall beyond the end wall to surround the first fluid port, and gripping elements may be provided on the shroud. The projection may include a vent communicating into a space between a flexible barrier and an internal wall of the body. The slot may also have a one-way opening with a cammed roof. A clip may be provided for mounting the reservoir and includes a support member supporting a clip member which releasably receives the shroud and supports a mounting member such as for a sample site.