Compact Fluid Dispenser With Spring-Loaded Piston
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medicament dispensers for ambulatory patients are cumbersome, imprecise, and not suited for remote or battlefield settings, requiring continuous monitoring and being inefficient for rapid administration of life-saving medications.
Innovation Solution
A compact, portable fluid dispenser with a collapsible pre-filled container and a stored energy source, such as a coiled spring, that provides a uniform flow of medicaments like antibiotics and resuscitation fluids, featuring a flow control assembly for precise rate selection and easy use in austere environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional gravity flow methods are used, then the device structure is simple, but the device is cumbersome and requires continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The infusion device is designed to automatically monitor and detect malfunctions through integrated sensors and control systems. The device self-regulates the infusion process, detecting issues such as occlusions or air bubbles and alerting users without requiring continuous manual monitoring by nurses or doctors.
2Measurement precision
If electronic infusion pumps are used, then the infusion rate precision is improved, but the device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic infusion pump mechanisms with a simplified mechanical system. A spring-loaded piston mechanism provides controlled infusion pressure, while a flow regulator valve maintains precise infusion rates. This mechanical approach eliminates heavy electronic components while preserving infusion precision.
3Loss of time
If pre-filled containers are used, then the administration time is reduced, but the flow control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flow regulator valve as an intermediary component between the pre-filled container and the patient. This valve allows rapid initiation of infusion from pre-filled containers while maintaining precise flow control through adjustable restrictions. The spring-loaded piston acts as another intermediary, providing consistent pressure without compromising flow precision.
4Productivity
If multiple components are used for rapid administration, then the administration speed is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components. The spring-loaded piston assembly combines pressure generation, flow regulation, and injection mechanisms into a single unit. The pre-filled container is integrated with the dispensing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate filling and administration steps. This consolidation maintains rapid administration capability while reducing overall system complexity.
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
Enables efficient, precise, and rapid administration of medicaments in remote settings, improving patient outcomes by allowing medics to treat multiple patients quickly and reducing the need for extensive training or equipment setup.
Implementation Method 1
a stored energy source operably associated with the carriage assembly for moving the carriage assembly between the first and second positions
Data Source
AI summary
A compact fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as antibiotics, blood clotting agents, analgesics, and like medicinal agents from collapsible containers at a uniform rate. The dispenser includes a novel stored energy source that is provided in the form of a compressible-expandable member that functions to continuously and uniformly expel fluid from the device reservoir. The apparatus further includes a novel fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solutions from the device reservoir to the patient.