Fluid Flow Control System with Flexible Ring and Resistance Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow control systems in medical procedures inadequately control fluid loss, especially during procedures involving devices with varying diameters, and often require human intervention, leading to potential errors and longer procedure times due to material property degradation and the need for active operator input.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow control system comprising a housing with a flexible ring and a resistance barrier that automatically exerts a radially-inward sealing force, using force elements like magnets, springs, or elastic components to maintain a fluid-tight seal around medical devices, independent of human operation, and accommodating a range of device sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art fluid flow control systems are used, then fluid loss can be controlled to some extent, but they inadequately control fluid loss during procedures requiring devices with a range of diameters and require active human operator input
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance barrier automatically exerts a radially-inward barrier force on the flexible ring to provide a fluid seal without requiring human operator input. The force element (spring, magnet, or elastic component) self-regulates to maintain the seal around devices of varying diameters, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while reliably controlling fluid loss throughout the medical procedure.
2Reliability
If prior art fluid flow control systems are used, then they can provide basic sealing, but material property degradation leads to degraded performance during the course of a medical procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The force element dynamically adjusts the barrier force parameter to compensate for material property degradation. As the flexible ring material degrades during the procedure, the spring, magnet, or elastic component automatically increases its force to maintain adequate sealing pressure, ensuring consistent sealing performance throughout the entire duration of the medical procedure regardless of material aging.
3Reliability
If prior art fluid flow control systems are used, then they can seal around devices, but they require active input by a human operator which introduces the possibility of errors or mishandling
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance barrier system operates autonomously without human intervention. The force element continuously applies the radially-inward barrier force to maintain the fluid seal around devices of varying diameters, eliminating operational complexity and the potential for human errors or mishandling while ensuring consistent sealing performance throughout the procedure.
4Extent of automation
If a resistance barrier with force elements is added to the flexible ring system, then automatic sealing force is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment systems with simpler force elements such as springs, magnets, or elastic components. These elements provide automatic sealing force through fundamental physical principles (elasticity, magnetism, or material compliance) rather than requiring complex mechanical mechanisms, thereby achieving high automation while minimizing the increase in device 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
The system provides an automatic, effective fluid seal across various device sizes without human intervention, reducing errors and fluid loss, and maintaining performance throughout medical procedures by adjusting forces dynamically to prevent fluid leakage.
Implementation Method 1
The force element may include a magnet, a spring, an elastic component, a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or an electric actuator
Implementation Method 2
The force element may include a magnet, a spring, an elastic component, a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or an electric actuator
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, fluid flow control systems, such as for medical applications, may include a resistance barrier and a flexible ring that may receive a device. The resistance barrier may exert barrier forces on the device, and the flexible ring may exert ring forces on the device, in order to create a fluid tight seal.